Alarm symptoms are not associated with the clinically significant findings in upper endoscopy in ambulatory setting

Abstract

Introduction. The demand of esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDS) is streadily increasing and could hardly be satisfied. According to guidelines the presence of alarm symptoms is unequivocal indication for EGDS. Though, there are some doubts if the presence of alarm symptoms yields in much more clinically significant findings. Aim. To evaluate the correlation of alarm symptoms and clinically significant findings found on EGDS in the routine clinical practice in ambulatory setting. Methods. A prospective study performed in 4 hospitals in Lithuania: Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (tertiary level), and 3 secondary level hospitals. Alarm symptoms that were evaluated as an indication to perform EGDS were dysphagia, odynophagia, anemia, signs of upper GI bleeding (suspicion of melena), weight loss, recurrent vomiting, fever. The following endoscopic findings were considered as a clinically significant erosive esophagitis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, gastric or duodenal polyps, malignant tumors. Results. Data from 502 patients (mean age - 55.6±16.7) were analyzed: 204 (41%) males and 298 (59%) females. Mean age of males - 54.1±16.3, of females - 56.6±16.9 years, p>0.05. [...].