Abstract

BUJANDA, L.; GUTIERREZ-STAMPA, Mª. A.; CABALLEROS, C. H.  and  ALKIZA, M. E.. Gastrointestinal disorders in Guatemala and their relation to parasite infections . An. Med. Interna (Madrid) [online]. 2002, vol.19, n.1, pp.3-6. ISSN 0212-7199.

Background: To determine the frequency of symptoms sugestive of functional gastrointestinal disorders and their relation to parasite infections in a developing nation.  Material and methods: 174 consecutive patients was seen in a gastroenterology clinic in Solola (Guatemala).  Results: Symptoms sugestive of irritable bowel syndrome was diagnosed in 37 patients (21%), irritable bowel syndrome with dyspeptic syndrome in 26 (15%) and dyspeptic syndrome in 24 (14%). Forty-two patients (24%) had been diagnosed of parasitation in the past. Such patients had a higher risk of suffering symptoms sugestives with functional gastrointestinal disorder (OR 6,335 CI 95% 2,72-14-75). Fifty-nine patients (34%) were subjected to parasite examination in stools; of these, 13 proved positive. In this same group of patients the risk of functional gastrointestinal problems was likewise higher among the subjects with parasite infection (p<0.05). In turn, 41 patients (49%) with symptoms sugestives of gastrointestinal functional disorders were or had previously been diagnosed of parasite infection.  Conclusions: Symptoms sugestives of functional gastrointestinal disorders are frequent in developing regions and its was in relation to intestinal parasites. 

Keywords : Functional; Gastrointestinal; Developing countries; Infections.

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