Publication:

Risk factors and seasonal trends of duodenal ulcer perforation

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.