Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate endoscopic results of a large number of Iranian patients with dyspepsia.

Background: Dyspepsia is quite common among adults and has a great impact on the patient's quality of life. The present study was designed to investigate the structure of dyspepsia and to determine existing symptoms and endoscopic findings.

Patients and methods: Over a period of 14 months (April 2003- June 2004), 940 consecutive outpatients referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy because of dyspepsia. The value of the criteria distinguishing between the two major diagnostic groups, peptic ulcer and non-ulcer dyspepsia, was assessed by comparing the group of non-ulcer dyspepsia with the group of patients with peptic ulcer.

Results: Ulcer-like presentation (69.3%) was the predominant symptom. Totally, 133 (14.1%) have peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Alcohol use and smoking were significantly higher in PUD group. H.Pylori was higher in PUD (68.4% in PUD versus 41.5% in NUD, p=0.000).

Conclusion: Regardless of numerous studies and trials, dyspepsia still remains a controversial issue. The analysis of the data of the overall patient population remains the subject of future research