Prevalence of Barrett’s Esophagus in a South European Country:A Multicentre, Cross-Sectional Study

Aims The identification of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) with detection and treatment of dysplasia is essential to prevent adenocarcinoma. Therefore, the determination of BE prevalence is important to define screening and subsequent surveillance strategies. However, precise estimates on BE prevalence from several European countries are lacking. We aimed to determine BE prevalence in Portugal.

Methods We conducted a cross-sectional, multicentre study from November 2019 to February 2020. BE was defined as columnar extent in the distal esophagus ≥1cm with intestinal metaplasia on biopsies. The quality of endoscopy was evaluated according to published guidelines and blinded to centre and endoscopist.

Results 1550 individuals, 51 % male and mean age of 62 (+/-15) years undergoing upper endoscopy were included in the study. The overall prevalence of BE was 1.29 % (95 %CI=0.73-1.85); significantly higher in men [2.05 % (1.06-3.04) vs women 0.53 % (0,01-1.04)]. Of the 20 BE patients, 8 were newly diagnosed and 12 were under surveillance. The median extent was C3 (min0; max16) M4.5 (min2; max16). One patient each had EAC (0.06 %) and HGD (0.06 %). There was no difference in BE prevalence between different regions, endoscopic centres, use of sedation or level of experience of endoscopists. Considering all endoscopy reports, 93 % used standardized terminology, 23 % accurate photodocumentation and 69 % photodocumented the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). In addition, 80 % used Prague classification, 55 % Seattle protocol, 60 % distance to the squamocolumnar junction, 75 % to the EGJ and 40 % to the hiatal pinch. When considering only reports with EGJ photodocumentation or Prague classification, the prevalence was 1.78 % (CI_95 %:0.91;2.64) or 1.03 % (CI_95 %:0.53;1.53), respectively.

Conclusions In a cross-sectional, multicentre study, we report for the first time BE prevalence in Portugal and report a low overall prevalence of 1.3 % in an unselected population undergoing endoscopy. Future studies need to determine progression rates and how to improve quality metrics for upper endoscopy.

Citation: Marques de Sá I, Leal C, Silva J et al. OP77 PREVALENCE OF BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS IN A SOUTH EUROPEAN COUNTRY:A MULTICENTRE, CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY. Endoscopy 2021; 53: S32.

Publication History

Article published online:
19 March 2021