Two Studies Characterize People with Dyspepsia

Newswise — A study released today at the 68th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) found that a significant portion of Americans suffering from functional dyspepsia also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Functional dyspepsia is a disorder characterized by upper abdominal pain, indigestion, and bloating or fullness but with no specific cause. New onset dyspepsia occurs in about 10 percent of the population each year. Dyspepsia accounts for between 40 and 70 percent of GI complaints in general medical practice and has a significant impact upon quality of life.

A second study at the meeting addressed epidemiological and clinical characteristics of functional dyspepsia in African Americans and Caucasian Americans, finding important differences.

Functional Dyspepsia Associated with IBSIn a study of functional dyspepsia, Ashok K. Tuteja, M.D., of the Department of Gastroenterology at University of Utah (Salt Lake City), Nicholas J. Talley, M.D., of Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN), and Sandra K. Joss, Ph.D., and David H. Hickam, M.D., of the VA Medical Center (Portland, OR) mailed surveys to 1,069 employees. Of the 723 respondents, 14.7 percent had symptoms of dyspepsia, 8.9 percent had IBS symptoms, and 6.2 percent reported both dyspepsia and IBS.

"Seventy percent of subjects with IBS had functional dyspepsia and 43 percent of subjects with dyspepsia had IBS," said Dr. Tuteja. "The association between the two syndromes was much greater than expected by chance."

The employees who reported symptoms of both disorders were much more likely to consult a physician about their problems. Tuteja and colleagues found that 33 percent of those with both dyspepsia and IBS symptoms went to the doctor in the previous year, whereas only 4 percent of patients with dyspepsia alone and 25 percent with IBS alone visited their doctor.

"Patients seeking clinical services for gastrointestinal symptoms are likely to have more than one clinical disorder," said Dr. Tuteja.

First Look at Racial DifferencesIn another study, researchers for the first time provided a detailed comparison of the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of African Americans and Caucasian Americans who have functional dyspepsia.

William C. Wigington, D.O., and colleagues at the University of Mississippi Medical Center provided 444 subjects with a questionnaire about demographic and clinical characteristics, including quality of life. About 23.2 percent of the respondents were found to meet the diagnostic criteria for functional dyspepsia.

"There are statistically significant variations between races concerning many demographic, medical, and psychological indicators," said Dr. Wigington. "These differences could have significant implications on policy-making in regards to management and allocation of health care resources."

University of Mississippi Medical Center investigators found that African Americans with functional dyspepsia are younger and more likely than Caucasian Americans to be married.

The researchers also found that a greater proportion of Caucasian Americans with functional dyspepsia reported having chronic fatigue syndrome, heart palpitations, or urinary problems. In addition, Caucasians were more likely to have had an appendectomy.

When psychological characteristics were analyzed, the researchers noted that a much higher proportion of African Americans with functional dyspepsia reported "having lost interest in things." Also, African Americans were more likely to report regular attendance at church.

The ACG was formed in 1932 to advance the scientific study and medical treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The College promotes the highest standards in medical education and is guided by its commitment to meeting the needs of clinical gastroenterology practitioners. Consumers can get more information on GI diseases through the following ACG-sponsored programs:· 1-800-978-7666 (free brochures on common GI disorders, including ulcer, colon cancer, gallstones, and liver disease)· 1-866-IBS-RELIEF and http://www.ibsrelief.org (free educational materials)· 1-800-HRT-BURN (free brochure and video on heartburn and GERD)· http://www.acg.gi.org (ACG's Web site)