The hypothesis of an underlying bias is confirmed by an increasing trend showed in another meta-analysis that included more recent Western studies: estimated pooled prevalence of GI symptoms was nearly doubled (diarrhea 18.3%, nausea/vomiting 14.9%, abdominal pain 5.3%). 20 A recent multicentric series from US reported that a remarkable 53% of hospitalized patients experienced at least one GI symptom, although most of them (74%) were defined as mild: 21 specifically, diarrhea was reported in 34% of patients, vomiting in 16%, abdominal pain 11%.
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