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Medical AI Inquiry: You was designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.  Labels: OBJECTIVE, METHODS, RESULTS. Meshes: Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Colonoscopy, Cross-Sectional Studies, Family Practice, Female, Humans, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Male, Middle Aged, Netherlands, Practice Guidelines as Topic, Prevalence, Primary Health Care, Referral and Consultation, Risk Factors, Unnecessary Procedures, Young Adult.
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Is application of the Rome III criteria likely to reduce the number of unnecessary referrals for colonoscopy in primary care? Context: To determine to what extent the Rome III criteria for irritable bowel syndrome can contribute towards safely reducing unnecessary referrals for colonoscopy in primary care patients with lower gastrointestinal (GI) complaints. Data from the CEDAR study were used: a cross-sectional study in 810 patients with lower GI complaints suggestive for organic bowel disease who were referred by their general practitioner for secondary care colonoscopy. Fulfilment of the Rome III criteria was ascertained by a questionnaire. General practitioners recorded the presence or absence of alarm symptoms. Outcome was determined by colonoscopy and histology. Of 810 participants, 222 fulfilled the Rome III criteria [27%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 24-31%]. The majority of these patients presented with alarm symptoms. Only 39 participants fulfilled the Rome III criteria and lacked alarm symptoms (overall frequency 5%, 95% CI 4-7). Overall, organic bowel disease was diagnosed in 141 participants (17%). Participants who fulfilled the Rome III criteria had a significantly lower risk of organic bowel disease compared with participants who did not [12% (95% CI 8-17) vs. 20% (95% CI 17-23), P<0.01]. The lowest risk was observed in patients without alarm symptoms who fulfilled the Rome III criteria (3%, 95% CI 0-14).
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A minority of referred primary care patients with lower GI complaints both fulfilled the Rome III criteria for irritable bowel syndrome and lacked alarm symptoms. Although organic bowel disease could be ruled out safely in this small group, application of the Rome III criteria is not likely to lead to a considerable reduction in unnecessary referrals for colonoscopy in these patients. Final Decision: no