Clinical Profile and Risk Factors for Benign Peptic Ulcer Disease in a Tertiary Care Centre in the Subhimalayan Ranges of North India

Abstract

Background: To study the clinical profile and risk factors for benign peptic ulcer disease. Material and Methods: A total of 200 patients of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) diagnosed on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were included. The socio-demographic profile, risk factors, clinical and endoscopic findings were recorded. Results: A total of 200 patients of peptic ulcer disease were included, out of which 168(84%) were males, while 32 (16%) were females. Most of the patients (61%) were between age 31-60 years with mean age of 47 years. Most of patients were farmers from rural areas and belonged to low socioeconomic status. History of smoking and alcohol intake was present in 106(53%) and 70( 35 %) patients respectively.Most common presenting complaints were epigastric pain and/or burning in 72 (36%) , followed by upper abdomen discomfort 70(35%) and upper gastrointestinal bleed 58(29%). Duodenal ulcer (DU) was present in 152 (76%), gastric ulcer(GU) in 30 (15%) while 18 (9%) had both DU and GU. Most of the patients had Forrest III ulcer 167 (83.5%) followed by Forrest IIc ulcer 13 (6.5%). H. pylori was detected by rapid urease test on endoscopic biopsy specimen in 156 (78 % ) of the total 200 patients of peptic ulcer disease. H. pylori was detected in 78.94 % case of DU, 60% case of GU and 100% cases of both DU and GU. Conclusion: PUD is a multifactorial health problem affecting almost all populations worldwide. . The major risk factors associated with PUD included tobacco and alcohol consumption besides low socioeconomic status, rural background and occupation of farming. Our findings indicate the substantial role of H. pylori and painkiller ingestion in the pathogenesis of PUD. Duodenal ulcer is most common type followed by gastric ulcer. Most had Forrest III ulcer followed by Forrest IIc.