Risk factors for perforated duodenal ulcer in sulaemania city

Abstract

Background and Objective: This prospective study was to evaluate the probable risk factors for perforation of duodenal ulcer, highlighting any prevalent one in the occurrence of perforation in Sulaemania city. The study was designed to be performed on patients with perforated duodenal ulcer attending the emergency department in Sulaemania teaching hospital over the period of this study.Method: This study was conducted between 1st of March 2009 till the 1st of October 2009 involving 50 patients with perforated duodenal ulcer attended the emergency department in Sulaemania teaching hospital. A number of probable risk factors for the patients were studied.Results: Out of 50 patients, 41(82%) were males, 9(18%) were females and the male to female ratio was (4.5:1), about 32% of the patients were more than 60 years old. Patients described themselves as having a nervous personality were 31(62%) and the number of patients lived in city center were 28(56%). Smoker patients were 36(72%) and 33 patients (66%) had a history of NSAIDs ingestion.Conclusion: Smoking, NSAIDs ingestion, sex, age and stress played a major role as risk factors in the occurrence in duodenal ulcer perforation. There is a seasonal variation in incidence of perforation including high incidence during spring and autumn.