Gastroesophageal reflux disease and overall and cause-specific mortality: a prospective study of 50000 individuals

BACKGROUND Only a few studies in Western countries have investigated the association between gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD] and mortality at the general population level and they have shown mixed results

This study investigated the association between GERD symptoms and overall and cause-specific mortality in a large prospective population-based study in Golestan Province, Iran

METHODS: Baseline data on frequency, onset time, and patient-perceived severity of GERD symptoms were available for 50001 participants in the Golestan Cohort Study [GCS]

We identified 3107 deaths [including 1146 circulatory and 470 cancer-related] with an average follow-up of 6.4 years and calculated hazard ratios [HR] and 95% confidence intervals [CI] adjusted for multiple potential confounders

RESULTS: Severe daily symptoms [defined as symptoms interfering with daily work or causing nighttime awakenings on a daily bases, reported by 4.3% of participants] were associated with cancer mortality [HR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.04-2.05]

This increase was too small to noticeably affect overall mortality

Mortality was not associated with onset time or frequency of GERD and was not increased with mild to moderate symptoms

CONCLUSION: We have observed an association with GERD and increased cancer mortality in a small group of individuals that had severe symptoms. Most patients with mild to moderate GERD can be re-assured that their symptoms are not associated with increased mortality

Familial colloid cyst of the third ventricle: a case report and review of the literature

Familial colloid cyst of the third ventricle is very rare. This is one of the two largest families reported and the first in which all affected members are siblings. One asymptomatic sister was found by screening, emphasizing the value of screening. A brother and two sisters from a family consisting of three brothers and three sisters who were diagnosed as having colloid cyst of the third ventricle are presented. The index case like his sister underwent a tumor resection by middle frontal gyrus approach. Brain CT scan was performed for the other first degree family members for screening and colloid cyst was detected in another sister. When two or more members of a family are affected, screening has an important value for detecting other asymptomatic members with colloid cyst of the third ventricle