The difference in reflux oesophagitis between African-Americans and non-Hispanic whites

There is minimal data evaluating the prevalence of GERD complications in any United States general population, other than non-Hispanic whites. Presently, it is thought that such complications occur less frequently in African-Americans than in non-Hispanic whites. A research group in Jacksonville, FL investigated the prevalence of reflux oesophagitis between non-Hispanic whites and African-Americans. The distribution of oesophagitis severity and its complications were equivalent between groups, except for Barrett's oesophagus.

A research article published 21 June in the World Journal of Gastroenterology addresses this question. The research team, lead by Dr Vega at the University of Florida Health Science Centre/Jacksonville, performed a retrospective search of the endoscopy database at the University of Florida Health Science Centre/Jacksonville for all cases of reflux oesophagitis and its complications from 1 January to 31 March 2001. The database search identified 259 patients with reflux oesophagitis or its complications. One hundred seventy one were non-Hispanic whites and 88 were African Americans. Mean ages and male/female ratios were similar in the two groups. RE grade, oesophageal ulcer, stricture, and hiatal hernia frequency were likewise similar in the groups. Endoscopic and histological Barrett's oesophagus was present more often in non-Hispanic whites than in African Americans. Heartburn was a more frequent indication for endoscopy in non-Hispanic whites with erosive oesophagitis than in African Americans.

This is the first study to report that reflux oesophagitis and its complications, other than Barrett's oesophagus, occur at a similar frequency in nHw and AA. In addition, indication for the index endoscopy appears to be different in the above ethnic groups. By understanding GERD and its complications among ethnic groups in the United States, this study might indicate future avenues for investigation to prevent the development of Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma.