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Achalasia: incidence, prevalence and survival. A population-based study
D C Sadowski1, F Ackah, B Jiang
1GI Motility Laboratory, Royal Alexandra Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. dan.sadowski@ualberta.ca
Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|May 15, 2010
Summary
This study reveals achalasia affects 1.63 per 100,000, with prevalence rising to 10.82 per 100,000. Achalasia patients also face significantly lower survival rates compared to the general population.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Achalasia epidemiology studies offer insights into disease etiology.
- This is the first North American population-based study on achalasia epidemiology.
- Utilized a governmental administrative database for comprehensive data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and prevalence of achalasia in North America.
- To analyze survival rates of achalasia patients.
- To establish a population-based understanding of achalasia epidemiology.
Main Methods:
- Defined achalasia cases using ICD-9-CM and Canadian Classification of Procedure codes (1996-2007).
- Utilized Alberta's universal healthcare database for patient demographics and billing claims.
- Validated case definition with 85% sensitivity and 99% specificity.
Main Results:
- Identified 463 achalasia cases (59.6% males), mean age 53.1 years.
- Achalasia incidence in 2007 was 1.63/100,000; prevalence was 10.82/100,000.
- Observed a steady increase in prevalence from 2.51/100,000 (1996) to 10.82/100,000 (2007).
Conclusions:
- Population-based incidence and prevalence of treated achalasia are 1.63/100,000 and 10.82/100,000, respectively.
- Achalasia shows stable incidence but rising prevalence.
- Achalasia patients have significantly lower survival rates than age-matched controls.
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