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Barrett's esophagus: prevalence in symptomatic relatives
Yvonne Romero1, Alan J Cameron, Daniel J Schaid
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|May 23, 2002
Summary
Relatives of Barrett's esophagus patients have more reflux symptoms, but their individual risk for Barrett's esophagus isn't statistically higher. However, increased reflux symptoms in relatives may lead to a greater overall prevalence of Barrett's esophagus and esophagitis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma.
- First-degree relatives of BE patients often report reflux symptoms.
- The genetic and familial risk factors for BE require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if first-degree relatives of BE patients have an increased risk of developing BE.
- To compare the prevalence of BE and reflux esophagitis in relatives versus controls.
Main Methods:
- First-degree relatives of BE patients completed a reflux symptom questionnaire.
- Relatives with symptoms underwent endoscopy.
- Controls with similar symptoms but no family history of BE were recruited for comparison.
Main Results:
- Previously undiagnosed BE was found in 8% of relatives and 5% of controls.
- BE prevalence increased with age and was associated with longer duration of reflux symptoms (>10 years).
- Reflux esophagitis was more common in relatives (74%) than controls (57%).
Conclusions:
- While the individual risk for BE was not statistically higher in symptomatic relatives, the overall prevalence of BE and reflux esophagitis may be greater in this group due to higher rates of reflux symptoms.
- Age and symptom duration are stronger predictors for BE screening than a family history of the condition.