Clinical Features and Endoscopic findings in Peptic Ulcer

Abstract

The occurrence of peptic ulcer is characterized by marked geographical variations. A prospective study regarding the clinical features and endoscopic findings in peptic ulcer was conducted in the department of |Gastroenterology at LRH Peshawar from 01/06/1995 to 31/05/1995. A total nubmer of 70 patients, 53 males and 17 females with age range of 18 - 85 years having endoscopically proven peptic ulcer were included in the study. Teh male to female ratio in general was 1.3:1. The duodenal to gastric ulcer ratio was 8.8:1. Peptic ulcer (PU) was predominantly seen between 4th and 6th  decade of life. Patients presented with more than one symptoms; pain epigastrium being the most common (85%). a small number (7%) of ulcer wwere silent Food generally initiated / aggravated pain in GU but relief occured in DU. In the majority of paitents, the symptoms lasted for upto 10 years. The use of NSAIDs and tobacco were two major risk factors seen in this study. sixty five percent of patients were from lower sociocconomic class. A positive family history for ulcer was seen in 28% patients, the majority of whom had DU. duodenal ulcer was significanctly associated with blood group 'O'. Gastric ulcer can not be differntiated clinically from DU and Oesophagogastro-duodenoscopy is a safe and sensitive diagnostic method.