Race and Barrett Esophagus

In a cross-sectional analysis, whites were twice as likely as nonwhites to have BE.

Barrett esophagus is considered to be predominantly a disease of white men. However, few data are available about the prevalence of this condition among minorities. To address this gap, researchers conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis among whites, blacks, and Hispanics in the U.S.

All patients who underwent upper endoscopies at a single U.S. medical center from April 2005 to March 2006 were assessed. After the exclusion of patients with known BE, esophageal adenocarcinoma, or endoscopy within the previous 5 years, the study population totaled 2100 patients: 38% were white, 22% were Hispanic, and 12% were black. The remaining 28% were not identified by race.

Overall, 92 patients (4.4%) had BE. Univariate analysis showed that wh…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors