The view of gastroenterologists on non-cardiac chest pain in Asia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Non-cardiac chest pain is an important disorder in Asia. The practice and views of gastroenterologists on non-cardiac chest pain in this region are not known.

AIMS:

To determine the current understanding, diagnostic practice and treatment strategies among gastroenterologists on the management of non-cardiac chest pain in Asia.

METHODS:

A 24-item questionnaire was sent to gastroenterologists in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

RESULTS:

186 gastroenterologists participated with a response rate of 74%. 98% of gastroenterologists managed patients with non-cardiac chest pain over the last 6 months. 64% felt that the number of non-cardiac chest pain patients was increasing and 85% believed that the most common cause of non-cardiac chest pain was GERD. 94% of the gastroenterologists believed that they should manage non-cardiac chest pain patients, but only 41% were comfortable in diagnosing non-cardiac chest pain. The average number of investigations performed was four in non-cardiac chest pain patients, and oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy was the most commonly used initial test. A proton pump inhibitor was considered the first-line treatment in non-cardiac chest pain and was reported as the most effective treatment by the gastroenterologists.

CONCLUSION:

Most gastroenterologists were practicing evidence-based medicine, but frequent use of investigations and a lack of awareness of the role of visceral hypersensitivity in non-cardiac chest pain patients were noted.

• Authors: T K Cheung, P W Y Lim, B C Y Wong
• Journal: Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics (Aliment Pharmacol Ther) Vol. 26 Issue 4 Pg. 597-603 (Aug 15 2007) ISSN: 0269-2813 [Print] England
• PMID: 17661763 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anti-Ulcer Agents
• Proton Pumps

Topics

• Adult
• Anti-Ulcer Agents (therapeutic use)
• Asia
• Chest Pain (etiology, therapy)
• Female
• Gastroenterology
• Gastroesophageal Reflux (diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
• Health Services Accessibility
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patient Satisfaction
• Primary Health Care
• Proton Pumps (therapeutic use)
• Surveys and Questionnaires