Prevalence of Achalasia in Colombia: Data from the Official Records of the Ministry of Health, 2017–2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22516/25007440.1349Keywords:
Esophageal achalasia, epidemiology, prevalence, ColombiaAbstract
Introduction: The global prevalence of achalasia is low, estimated at between 7 and 32 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Colombia is an endemic country for Chagas disease, and variants of the human leukocyte antigen DQ (HLA-DQ) have also been identified in the population. These factors may influence the disease’s prevalence compared to global figures.
Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study based on information from the database of Integrated Information System for Social Protection of Colombia (SISPRO). Prevalence was estimated based on healthcare encounters coded with ICD-10 diagnosis K22.0, corresponding to “achalasia of the cardia,” during the period from 2017 to 2024. The analysis was stratified by department, sex, and age group.
Results: A total of 9,621 cases of achalasia were recorded nationwide, with a prevalence of 21.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Females accounted for 59.4% of the cases (95% CI: 58.4%–60.4%). The departments with the highest prevalence were Atlántico, Córdoba, Magdalena, and Bogotá, with 47, 39, 35, and 26 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively. A progressively higher prevalence was observed with increasing age.
Conclusions: The estimated prevalence of the disease in Colombia aligns with global reports. Further studies are needed to confirm geographic differences in prevalence and their possible underlying causes. These findings are useful for prioritizing resources and improving strategies for the detection and treatment of achalasia in Colombia.
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