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World J Gastroenterol. Sep 21, 2008; 14(35): 5442-5447
Published online Sep 21, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.5442
Metabolic syndrome is associated with erosive esophagitis
Jung Ho Park, Dong IL Park, Hong Joo Kim, Yong Kyun Cho, Chong IL Sohn, Woo Kyu Jeon, Byung Ik Kim
Jung Ho Park, Dong IL Park, Hong Joo Kim, Yong Kyun Cho, Chong IL Sohn, Woo Kyu Jeon, Byung Ik Kim, Department of Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
Author contributions: Park JH, Park DI and Sohn CI designed the research; Park JH, Park DI, Kim HJ, Cho YK, Sohn CI, Jeon WK and Kim BI performed the research; Park JH, Park DI and Sohn CI analyzed data; Park JH wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Jung Ho Park, MD, Department of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Seoul, South Korea. pjho3@hotmail.com
Telephone: +82-2-20012068 Fax: +82-2-20012485
Received: June 9, 2008
Revised: August 18, 2008
Accepted: August 25, 2008
Published online: September 21, 2008
Abstract

AIM: To clarify whether insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome are risk factors for erosive esophagitis.

METHODS: A case-control study was performed using the database of the Kangbuk Samsung Hospital Medical Screening Center.

RESULTS: A total of 1679 cases of erosive esophagitis and 3358 randomly selected controls were included. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 21% of the cases and 12% of the controls (P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regressions confirmed the association between erosive esophagitis and metabolic syndrome (Odds ratio, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.04-1.49). Among the components of metabolic syndrome, increased waist circumference, elevated serum triglyceride levels and hypertension were significant risk factors for erosive esophagitis (all P < 0.01). Furthermore, increased insulin resistance (Odds ratio, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85-0.98) and fatty liver, as diagnosed by ultrasonography (Odds ratio, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.20-1.60), were also related to erosive esophagitis even after adjustment for a series of confounding factors.

CONCLUSION: Metabolic syndrome and increased insulin resistance are associated with an increased risk of developing erosive esophagitis.

Keywords: Metabolic syndrome; Erosive esophagitis; Insulin resistance; Fatty liver