Sideropenic dysphagia in sudanese patients

Abstract AR

Objectives : This study characterizes the author's experience over a 10-year period in Sudan.

Methods: A retrospective study in which a total of 88 patients were studied.

The charts and findings of these patients were reviewed.

Results : All patients were females ranging between 17-60 years of age.

About 90% of these patients were 17- 40 years of age, with the highest number between 21 and 30.

The patients were all of low socioeconomic standing and poorly educated.

Three quarters were unmarried.

Postcricoid webs were found on barium swallow in 80%, and in 20% there were upper esophageal strictures of variable lengths.

All of the patients had low levels of hemoglobin with microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells on peripheral smear; 5% of the patients showed occasional megaloblasts.

Conclusion : Sideropenic dysphagia is not uncommon in Sudanese patients and occurs in a relatively young age group.

Community health workers should be aware of this condition and that the nutritional factors, which cause this potentially premalignant condition, are easily correctable.