ASSOCIATION OF OBESITY AND METABOLIC SYNDROME WITH GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE IN ADULTS PRESENTING TO TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS IN PAKISTAN
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Keywords
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease; Metabolic Syndrome; Obesity; Pakistan; Risk Factors.
Abstract
Objective: To determine the association of obesity and metabolic syndrome with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) among adults presenting to tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan.
Material & Methods: The current descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in the Departments of Medicine and Gastroenterology in tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan after obtaining approval from the institutional ethics review board. The sample size comprised 348 adults between 18 and 65 years of age, which was achieved by employing the non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Subjects with prior surgery in the upper part of their gastrointestinal tract, malignant disease of the gastrointestinal system, chronic liver disease, chronic kidney disease, pregnancy, and severe systemic disease were excluded from the study. Information on the demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical parameters like BMI, fasting glucose, triglycerides, HDL-C, and blood pressure was collected using a questionnaire form. GERD was defined on the basis of reflux symptoms and physical examination. Metabolic syndrome was determined using the modified NCEP ATP III criteria.
Results: The mean age of participants was 43.6±12.1 years, while 201 (57.8%) participants were males. Obesity was identified in 136 (39.1%) participants, and metabolic syndrome was present in 122 (35.1%) individuals. GERD was diagnosed in 151 (43.4%) participants. GERD was significantly more frequent among obese participants (74.3% vs. 23.6%, p<0.001) and among individuals with metabolic syndrome (73.0% vs. 27.4%, p<0.001). Obesity (AOR=4.1, p<0.001) and metabolic syndrome (AOR=3.4, p<0.001) were independent predictors of GERD.
Conclusion: Obesity and metabolic syndrome were significantly associated with GERD among Pakistani adults and may contribute substantially to reflux-related morbidity.
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Dr. Muhammad Masood Khoso
Assistant Professor, Gastroenterology Department of Gastroenterology, Ward 7 Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) / Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi
Dr. Ghulam Basit Mahesar
MBBS, FCPS Gastro, MACG Associate professor Medical unit III ward7 Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi
