Table 4.
Comparison of the two randomised groups over subsequent year. Values are numbers (percentages) unless stated otherwise
| Endoscopy plus breath test (n=292) | Breath test alone (n=294) | |
|---|---|---|
| Mean (SD; range) Glasgow dyspepsia severity score | 5.4 (3.4; 0-15) | 5.6 (3.4; 0-15) |
| Frequency of: | ||
| Visit to general practitioner for dyspepsia | 98/292 (34) | 108/293 (37) |
| Attendance at hospital outpatient clinic for dyspepsia | 19/292 (7) | 18/293 (6) |
| Endoscopy | 4/292 (1) | 24/294 (8) |
| Repeat breath test (in patients testing positive on entry) | 27/292 (9) (26/156 (17)) | 19/294 (6) (18/142 (13)) |
| Barium meal | 5/292 (2) | 1/294 (0.3) |
| Ultrasonography | 3/292 (1) | 10/294 (3) |
| Other gastrointestinal investigations | 11/292 (4) | 7/294 (2) |
| Drug usage (% treated) (median length of treatment): | ||
| Proton pump inhibitor | 69/291 (24) (24 weeks) | 77/292 (26) (20 weeks) |
| H2 receptor antagonist | 56/291 (19) (10 weeks) | 68/293 (23) (20 weeks) |
| Antacids | 82/291 (28) (18 weeks) | 90/293 (31) (10 weeks) |
| Alginates | 73/290 (25) (12 weeks) | 82/291 (28) (6 weeks) |
| Patient oriented outcomes (0-10: 0=no concern, 10=extreme concern) | ||
| Mean (SD; range) overall concern about symptoms | 2.4 (2.6, 0-10) | 2.4 (2.4; 0-10) |
| Mean (SD; range) concern about missed disease | 1.7 (2.3; 0-10) | 1.9 (2.5; 0-10) |
| Mean (SD; range) overall satisfaction with management | 8.9 (1.6; 0.8-10) | 8.9 (1.7; 0-10) |