Background: *N.P. and M.P. contributed equally to this study.The current prevalence of esophagitis in southern Europe is unknown. In addition, the risk factors for reflux esophagitis are not fully understood.
Objective: The objective of this article is to assess the prevalence and risk factors for esophagitis in Spain.
Methods: A prospective, observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study (PRESS study) was conducted among 31 gastrointestinal endoscopy units throughout Spain. A total of 1361 patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were enrolled. Sociodemographic, clinical and treatment data were recorded.
Results: A total of 95% of patients were Caucasian and 52% were male (mean age: 53 ± 17 years). The most frequent symptoms prompting endoscopy were heartburn (40%), regurgitation (26%) and dysphagia (15%). Fifty-four percent of patients undergoing endoscopy were receiving proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment. Esophagitis (mainly mild-moderate) was present in 154 (12.4%) patients. The severe form was recorded in only 11 (0.8%) patients. Multivariate analysis results indicated that the likelihood of esophagitis was higher in men (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.31-2.78), in patients with high GERD-Q scores (OR = 1.256, 95% CI = 1.176-1.343), weight increase (OR = 1.014, 95% CI = 1.003-1.025) and high alcohol consumption (OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.16-5.36).
Conclusion: Severe esophagitis is a rare finding in the Spanish population. Male gender, high GERD-Q score, weight increase and high alcohol consumption are main risk factors for its appearance.
Keywords: Barrett’s esophagus; Endoscopy; gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD); gastrointestinal symptoms; hiatal hernia; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID); questionnaires; severe esophagitis.