Frequency of Barrett Esophagus in Patients with Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Objective: To determine frequency of Barrett's esophagus in patients with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Patients and Methods: The Prospective, observational study was conducted at Department of Gastroenterology, Military hospital Rawalpindi Pakistan, from January 2005 to May 2005. One hundred fifty subjects with symptoms of GERD were included in the study. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed with Pentax EG 2940 to determine the underlying etiology. Three biopsy samples were taken to confirm the diagnosis. Results: Out of 150 subjects, 21(14%) were found to have Barrett's esophagus. The remaining 129(86%) showed inflammatory changes. Out of 21(14%) cases of Barrett's esophagus, 19(90.5%) were males and 2(9.5%) were females. Conclusion: Early upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy is recommended in patients with symptoms of GERD, as Barrett's esophagus is relatively common in our set up.