Table 3 Diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in patients with chronic non-specific abdominal pain in general practice (reported by the GPs).1
Baseline | 1 1/2 years | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total (n = 619) | NUD (n = 93) | IBS (n = 244) | Other (n = 282) | Total (n = 571) | NUD (n = 85) | IBS (n = 230) | Other (n = 256) | |
Physical examination | 42.0 | 47.3 | 37.7 | 44.0 | 35.7 | 41.2 | 36.5 | 33.2 |
Laboratory examination | 11.6 | 7.5 | 9.4 | 15.0 | 1.9 | 0.0 | 2.6 | 2.0 |
X-ray | 5.0 | 3.4 | 4.5 | 5.7 | 3.2 | 1.2 | 2.2 | 4.7 |
Endoscopy | 6.3 | 15.1 | 3.3a | 6.1a | 4.4 | 3.5 | 4.3 | 4.7 |
Reassurance | 25.4 | 15.1 | 26.6a | 27.5a | 22.4 | 18.8 | 24.8 | 21.5 |
Counseling concerning psychosocial stress | 9.7 | 7.5 | 10.7 | 9.6 | 8.1 | 9.4 | 8.3 | 7.4 |
Dietary advice | 14.5 | 14.0 | 18.0c | 11.4 | 10.3 | 5.9 | 14.3 | 8.2 |
Medication | 50.1 | 66.7 | 44.3 | 49.3 | 35.7 | 40.0 | 34.3 | 35.5 |
Paracetamol/aspirin | 4.8 | 5.4 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 5.2 | 3.9 |
Antacids | 16.0 | 31.2b | 7.0c | 18.2a | 9.8 | 10.6 | 7.8 | 11.3 |
Antispasmodics | 18.6 | 14.0 | 23.8c | 15.7 | 16.6 | 9.4b | 22.2c | 14.1 |
Laxantia | 5.0 | 5.4 | 4.1 | 5.0 | 3.3 | 1.2 | 4.3 | 3.1 |
Fiber supplements | 5.5 | 1.1b | 8.6c | 3.9 | 5.8 | 1.2b | 7.4 | 5.9 |
Antidepressants | 3.7 | 3.2 | 3.7 | 3.9 | 2.6 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.0 |
Proton pump inhibitors | 3.9 | 6.5 | 2.0 | 4.6 | 11.0 | 12.9b | 5.2c | 15.6 |
H2-receptor antagonist | 6.9 | 10.8 | 4.1a | 7.9 | 12.1 | 17.6b | 8.7 | 13.3 |
Anti emetics | 2.6 | 3.2 | 1.6 | 3.2 | 3.0 | 5.9 | 2.6 | 2.3 |