[Acid-related disease in the population of two Norwegian municipalities--diagnosis and drug therapy].

BACKGROUND

The introduction of acid suppressant, cytoprotective and prokinetic drugs represented major progress in the treatment of acid-related diseases. In Norway, these drugs were reimbursed by the National Insurance System (NIS) from 1986. However, even if the distribution of the various diagnostic indications for prescribing were lacking, this reimbursement was stopped in 1995. The aim of this study was to describe prescriptions for presumed licensed diagnostic indications of these drugs for a defined population, and analyse them with regard to patients characteristics, verified (endoscopic) diagnoses, and therapeutic guidelines.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All prescriptions issued in 1994 to inhabitants of Lindesnes and Mandal Municipalities (17,105 inhabitants) were retrospectively retrieved from the pharmacies and the NIS. The medical records of the local endoscopy units and roentgen laboratories were subsequently searched for information on diagnostic procedures and final diagnosis leading to the prescriptions for these patients.

RESULTS

A total number of 1,128 prescriptions (87,905 DDDs) were issued to 441 patients (3% of the population at risk; mean age 63 years; 55% men), and more commonly for the elderly (for 11% of those aged 80 years or more). Diagnostic procedures were documented for 93% of the patients (upper endoscopy in 404, 92%). Diagnostic indications for prescribing were reflux oesophagitis (48%), duodenal ulcer (24%), gastric ulcer (13%), and dyspepsia with normal endoscopic findings (12%). The drugs issued were H2-receptor antagonists (59%), proton pump inhibitors (31%), and cisapride (10%). 8% of the patients were long-term users of an NSAID. Of the 441 patients, drug treatment was issued to 38 with normal endoscopic findings and to 31 patients in whom we could not document examination by endoscopy or X-ray.

INTERPRETATION

This study supports that the prevalence of dyspeptic complaints calling for drug treatment increases with patient age. With minor exceptions we found that the prescribing practice for the different diagnoses is in accordance with established therapeutic guidelines.