Meta-Analysis
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World J Gastroenterol. Dec 14, 2013; 19(46): 8770-8779
Published online Dec 14, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i46.8770
Meta-analysis of Barrett’s esophagus in China
Ying Dong, Bing Qi, Xiao-Ying Feng, Chun-Meng Jiang
Ying Dong, Xiao-Ying Feng, Chun-Meng Jiang, Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, Liaoning Province, China
Bing Qi, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, Liaoning Province, China
Author contributions: Dong Y performed databases retrieval, data extraction, data analysis, writing the manuscript and interpretation; Qi B, Feng XY performed databases retrieval, data extraction and interpretation; Jiang CM made contributions to the study design and financial support, and provided critical comments for amendments of the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Chun-Meng Jiang, PhD, Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, NO.465 Zhongshan Road, Shahekou Region, Dalian 116023, Liaoning Province, China. 13940891419@163.com
Telephone: +86-411-84671291 Fax: +86-411-84668536
Received: August 14, 2013
Revised: September 23, 2013
Accepted: September 29, 2013
Published online: December 14, 2013
Abstract

AIM: To investigate the epidemiology and characteristics of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) in China and compare with cases in the west.

METHODS: Studies were retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure and PubMed databases using the terms “Barrett” and “Barrett AND China”, respectively, as well as published studies about BE in China from 2000 to 2011. The researchers reviewed the titles and abstracts of all search results to determine whether or not the literature was relevant to the current topic of this research. The references listed in the studies were also searched. Inclusion and exclusion criteria for the literature were appropriately established, and the data reported in the selected studies were analyzed. Finally, a meta-analysis was performed.

RESULTS: The current research included 3873 cases of BE from 69 studies. The endoscopic detection rate of BE in China was 1%. The ratio of male to female cases was 1.781 to 1, and the average age of BE patients was 49.07 ± 5.09 years. Island-type and short-segment BE were the most common endoscopic manifestations, accounting for 4.48% and 80.3%, respectively, of all cases studied. Cardiac-type BE was observed in 40.0% of the cases, representing the most common histological characteristic of the condition. Cancer incidence was 1.418 per 1000 person-years.

CONCLUSION: Average age of BE patients in China is lower than in Western countries. Endoscopic detection and cancer incidence were also lower in China.

Keywords: Barrett’s esophagus, Epidemiology, Cancer incidence, China, Meta-analysis

Core tip: Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a precursor of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Western countries have published more research on BE than China has. Thus, epidemiological knowledge of BE in China is inadequate. Diagnosis and treatment of BE in China is based on western criteria, therefore, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of BE require more data based on the unique characteristics of patients and clinics in China. The current research analyzed 69 clinical studies to obtain a comprehensive understanding of BE in China. Results provide important guidelines that can help improve the treatment and follow-up of BE patients in China.