Ecaterina Munteanu

Moldova

GLOBAL EPIDEMIOLOGY OF GORD PREVALENCE, PATTERNS AND REGIONAL VARIATIONS

Munteanu Ecaterina1, Stoica Mihaela1, Munteanu Artur2, Ghenadie Calin1, Oxana Sârbu1, Valeriu Istrati1.
1Department of Internal Medicine-Semiology, Nicolae Testemitanu State Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.
2Department of Emergency Medicine
Nicolae Testemitanu State Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.

Abstract

Background

Rapid and ongoing changes in the socio-economic and psychological framework of modern society are significantly affecting global health. Factors such as a faster pace of life, urbanization, the widespread availability of unhealthy foods, environmental stress, and deteriorating ecological conditions have contributed to a notable rise in health issues. Among these, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) stands out as a major concern, both in terms of its prevalence and the range of complications it causes.

Methods

This study aimed to evaluate the global prevalence of GORD through a systematic review. Databases including MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane This systematic review and meta-analysis found that a significant portion of the global population (13.98%) is affected by GORD, with considerable differences observed across regions and countries. Library, and Google Scholar were searched to identify relevant studies on GORD prevalence worldwide.

Results

GORD can occur at any age but is more common in individuals over 40. In infants, GORD is the most frequently diagnosed esophageal condition. Regurgitation occurs at all ages but peaks at four months with a prevalence of 67%, dropping to 5% by one year and ranging from 1.4% to 8.2% in older children. Among school-aged children who smoke, GORD incidence is 33%, while 50-60% of children with asthma experience it. The overall pediatric prevalence is 2-3%.In pregnant women, GORD affects 25-75%, with symptoms typically appearing during pregnancy and resolving after delivery. Regional variations in GORD prevalence are significant. North America and Europe report the highest rates, while lower prevalence is seen in India, Africa, South America, and the Middle East. Western Europe and North America show rates of 10-20%, similar to South America, Turkey (12%), Australia (12.4%), Switzerland (17.6%), and Russia (23.6%). Asia reports lower rates, from 2.5% to 7.1%, averaging 5%.

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta-analysis found that a significant portion of the global population (13.98%) is affected by GORD, with considerable differences observed across regions and countries.