Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr.  2017 Sep;20(3):160-166. 10.5223/pghn.2017.20.3.160.

Prevalence and Epidemiological Characteristics of Endoscopically Proven Reflux Esophagitis in Children in Korea

• Yang A
• Kang B
• Choe JY
• Kim HS
• Kim K
• Choe YH

• KMID: 2390547
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5223/pghn.2017.20.3.160

Abstract

PURPOSE
The prevalence of reflux esophagitis (RE) has increased recently in Korea. Little is known concerning the prevalence and characteristics of RE in pediatric patients. This study investigated the prevalence and influence of risk factors in endoscopically proven RE in Korea in pediatric patients over a period of 14 years.
METHODS
A retrospective chart review of all patients between the ages of 1 month and 20 years who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy at Samsung Medical Center between 2001 and 2014 was carried out. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify independent risk factors for RE.
RESULTS
The prevalence rate of endoscopically proven RE in this study was 28.7% (978/3,413). The prevalence of RE increased from 11.8% from 2001 to 2007 to 37.7% from 2008 to 2014. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that residency in the Greater Gangnam area (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.44) and age (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.11-1.15) were significant predictive factors for the presence of RE.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence rate of endoscopically proven pediatric RE has increased over the past 14 years. Residency and older age are more important independent risk factors for pediatric RE in Korea.

Keyword

Gastroesophageal reflux; Prevalence; Risk factors; Endoscopy; gastrointestinal; Pediatrics

MeSH Terms

Child*
Endoscopy
Endoscopy, Digestive System
Esophagitis, Peptic*
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Humans
Internship and Residency
Korea*
Logistic Models
Multivariate Analysis
Pediatrics
Prevalence*
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Percentage of reflux esophagitis (RE) in two 7-year periods. It shows a significant increase in patients with RE from 11.8% in 2001-2007 to 37.7% in 2008-2014 (p<0.001).

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