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Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in central Australian aborigines
L C Mollison1, R J Lecons, Thein-Htut
1Department of Medicine, Alice Springs Hospital, NT.
The Medical Journal of Australia
|February 21, 1994
Summary
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in Australian Aborigines revealed common peptic ulceration and oesophageal varices as significant findings. Helicobacter pylori infection was frequently identified as a risk factor for peptic ulcer disease in this population.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Gastrointestinal health disparities in Indigenous populations.
- Limited data on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings in Australian Aborigines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate upper gastrointestinal endoscopic findings in central Australian Aborigines.
- To determine the prevalence of peptic ulceration.
- To assess the role of Helicobacter pylori as a risk factor.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of endoscopic records from Aboriginal patients over two years.
- Review of indications for endoscopy, including bleeding and pain.
- Examination of biopsy results for Helicobacter pylori.
Main Results:
- Peptic ulceration found in nine patients; 23 others had gastritis or duodenitis.
- Oesophageal varices identified as a cause of bleeding in 17% of patients with haematemesis/melaena.
- Helicobacter pylori detected in 88% of inflamed gastric biopsies.
Conclusions:
- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is valuable for investigating Aboriginal patients' GI complaints.
- Oesophageal varices are an important cause of upper GI bleeding in this group.
- Peptic ulceration associated with Helicobacter pylori is common in Australian Aborigines.