Risk factors and seasonal trends of duodenal ulcer perforation

Abstract

Background: Strong association has been observed between the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) and perforation of duodenal ulcers. The use of these drugs appears to be the major precipitating factor in currently treated patients. A second risk factor for perforation is immune-suppression, particularly among transplant patients treated with steroids. Other factors include increasing patient age, chronic obstructive lung disease, major burns, and multiple organ system failure. Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of surgery, Basaveshwara teaching and general hospital, Gulbarga, Karnataka, India during the period of November 2011 - September 2013. The diagnosis of duodenal ulcer perforation was that established by the admitting surgeon, based on clinical features and supposed by radiological evidence and confined at operation. Results: It was found that 25% of patients were both smokers and alcoholics. In the present study 26.67% of patients had history of NSAID intake. Conclusions: Duodenal perforation cases were high during winter season.