Enfermedad ulcerosa péptica

Abstract

A peptic ulcer (PU) is a loss of matter in parts of the digestive tract that are in contact with acid and pepsin and which extend beyond the muscularis mucosae. The most frequent location is the duodenum and stomach. The incidence of PU is between 0.1% and 0.3% of the general population and the mortality rate, which is in relation to its complications, is 2-3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants/year. The main causes are Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and the consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that cause an imbalance between the aggressive and defensive factors that regulate gastroduodenal mucosa function. The clinical spectrum of ulcer disease is highly variable, ranging from asymptomatic (70%), “ulcerative-rate epigastric pain,” nonspecific discomfort, or symptoms and signs related to its complications (upper gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, pyloric-duodenal stenosis, and penetration to neighboring organs). Upper endoscopy allows for a diagnosis per se of PU as well as its etiology (collecting biopsies to rule out malignancy and investigate HP infection). Antisecretory treatment with proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) is the mainstay of treatment for ulcer disease. The eradication of HP when the infection is detected and cessation of NSAID use are essential to promote healing and prevent ulcer recurrence.