ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Both atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia may progress to gastric dysplasia. This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing progression of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia to dysplasia. METHODS: People diagnosed with atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia for the first time received a follow-up endoscopy and were investigated for the cumulative incidence rate of gastric dysplasia by age, gender, smoking habit, alcohol intake, rice consumption and family history of stomach cancer. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence rate increased with age, consuming > or =3 bowls of rice per day and family history of stomach cancer. Multivariate analysis showed that the cumulative incidence rate of gastric dysplasia increased in subjects >61 years (RR=2.54, P=0.014), in those consuming > or =3 bowls of rice per day (RR=1.46, P=0.021) and in those with a family history of stomach cancer (RR=1.31, P=0.037). CONCLUSIONS: More active management, such as intensive endoscopic follow-up examinations, lifestyle change and education regarding gastric dysplasia, are required in those older than 61 years, having a higher intake of grain or with a family history of stomach cancer.