Risk of histologic Barrett's esophagus between African Americans and non-Hispanic whites: A meta-analysis

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is rare in African Americans (AA). However, the risk difference magnitude in histologic BE prevalence between AA and non-Hispanic whites (nHw) has not been quantified to date.

The objective of this article is to determine the degree of histologic BE risk difference between AA and nHw.

PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE were searched for studies reporting histologic BE in AA/nHw for inclusion. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with risk estimates of histologic BE occurrence between AA/nHw were calculated along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Forest plots were used to quantify heterogeneity. Funnel plots and the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool were used to assess bias risk.

Eight studies reported BE histologic confirmation in AA/nHw. Analysis demonstrated a nearly 400% increased histologic BE risk in nHw patients compared to AA (OR 3.949, 95% CI 3.069-5.082). In the model without the case-control study, histologic BE risk remained elevated at approximately 360% in nHw compared to AA (OR 3.618, 95% CI 2.769-4.726). Heterogeneity was not present in either model. Risk of bias was significant.

Histologic BE risk is elevated in nHw by 3.6-4 times compared to AA. Investigation into understanding any clinical, molecular or genetic mechanisms underlying this risk disparity is warranted.