Table 4.

Description of studies using an empirical treatment strategy to reduce upper gastrointestinal endoscopies

Study	Country	Sample	Strategy	UGIE avoided
Laheij et al[59], 1998	Netherlands	80 patients	2-wk PPI treatment. HP test and treat for persistent symptoms.	69%
Kjeldsen et al[60], 2007	Denmark	184 patients	UGIE vs 2-wk PPI treatment and HP testing + UGIE (no improvement, recurrence at age ≥ 45, or HP- and age < 45 yr), eradication (HP+ and age < 45 yr), or PPI 2 additional weeks (HP-, age < 45 yr, and reflux+)	63%
Bytzet et al[62], 1994	Denmark	206 patients	4 weeks H2RA treatment	34%

UGIE: Upper Gastrointestinal endoscopy; PPI: Proton pump inhibitor; HP: Helicobacter pylori; H2RA: Histamine-2 receptor antagonists.