Results of a multicenter trial 'Epidemiology of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Russia' (MEGRE)

Aim. To assess prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Russia in MEGRE trial in 6 cities of the Russian Federatiion (Kazan, Kemerovo, Krasnoyarsk, Ryazan, St-Petersburg, Saransk). Material and methods. Mayo Clinic questionnaire (USA) adapted for Russia was used to question 7812 people over 18 years of age from of random population sample. The symptoms (heartburn and regurgitation) were classified as frequent if they arose once a week and more often for the last 12 months, rare symptoms arose less often than once a week. The responders with frequent heartburn and/or regurgitation were regarded as persons with epidemiological quantitative criteria of GERD. Results. Heartburn occurred in 47.5% responders: frequent in 9%, rare in 38.5%. Regurgitation occurred in 42.9%: frequent in 7.6%, rare in 35.3%. GERD prevalence was 13.3% (city range 11.3-14.3%). Frequent GERD symptoms are associated with frequent gaseous eructation (24.3%), chronic cough (22.9%), chest pain (15.1%), dysphonia (11.4%.). To stop heartburn, 88% responders took antacids, 32% - blockers of histamine H2-receptors and only 23% - inhibitors of proton pump. Only 52.8% responders with frequent chest pain and 29.3% those with frequent hearburn visited a doctor. Conclusion. The population-based trial MEGRE conducted by international methodology in 6 cities of Russia demonstrated that GERD prevalence is 13.3%. Most of the patients pay little attention to the symptoms, do not seek medical advice and, therefore, receive no adequate treatment.