Korean J Intern Med.  2014 Mar;29(2):156-165. 10.3904/kjim.2014.29.2.156.

Current status of functional dyspepsia in Korea

• Lee H
• Jung HK
• Huh KC
• Functional Dyspepsia Study Group in the Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility

• KMID: 1792029
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2014.29.2.156

Abstract

Dyspepsia refers to group of commonly occurring upper gastrointestinal symptoms. The majority of patients with dyspepsia suffer from functional (nonulcer) dyspepsia. Although there is a lack of epidemiological data from population-based or patient cohort studies in Korea, the current understanding of this condition has been updated using data from various recent research studies, which have facilitated the development of clinical guidelines for functional dyspepsia. According to a survey using the Rome III criteria, more than 40% of respondents who visited primary clinics and tertiary hospitals were defined as having functional dyspepsia, most of who were within a subgroup of patients with postprandial distress syndrome. In addition, a population-based cross-sectional survey revealed considerable overlap between functional dyspepsia and other functional gastrointestinal disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (especially nonerosive reflux disease) and irritable bowel syndrome. In contrast to the results of Western trials, there is insufficient evidence to recommend a Helicobacter pylori test-and-treat strategy as an initial management approach to functional dyspepsia in Korea, suggesting the need for early endoscopic evaluation. Additional studies are necessary to adjust the cutoff age for implementation of immediate endoscopic evaluation of patients without alarm symptoms. Considering the prevalence of H. pylori infection and the limited efficacy of symptomatic relief after its eradication, further well-qualified studies in Korea are warranted.

Keyword

Functional dyspepsia; Epidemiology; Helicobacter pylori

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
*Dyspepsia/diagnosis/epidemiology/microbiology/therapy
Early Diagnosis
Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
*Helicobacter Infections/diagnosis/drug therapy/epidemiology/microbiology
Helicobacter pylori/*pathogenicity
Humans
Predictive Value of Tests
Prevalence
Prognosis
Questionnaires
Republic of Korea/epidemiology
Risk Factors
Anti-Bacterial Agents