A Cross-Sectional study on Factors associated with perforated peptic ulcer disease in adults presesnted to the University Teachng Hospital,Lusaka
Date
2012-12-20
Authors
Sondashi, Kitanda Jerbal
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Abstract
Objective: To determine the various clinical and epidemiological factors associated with
peptic ulcer perforation in adults at UTH.A pilot study for an impending broader
controlled study.
Design: A hospital-based cross-sectional study
Participants: 35 adult patients all of whom were diagnosed at laparotomy as having
perforated, benign peptic ulcers, confirmed histologically.
Setting:, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia.
Results: It was shown that there was a male preponderance (85.7%). The mean age was
39.9 years and the peak range to perforate was 16-45 years (68.6%). Most patients were
Lusaka -based (82.8%),and came from a middle income background(62.8%).Clinically,
the most frequent presenting complaint was abdominal pain(62.8%),and 57.2% of
patients had symptoms lasting 24 hours or less. Furthermore, the commonest blood group
was group O+ (33.2%), with 40% confirming history of use of NSAIDs. 57% were
regular alcohol drinkers and 34% were cigarette smokers. Also, a further 32% of patients
were found to be HIV positive and 84.2% had no previous peptic ulcer history. Gastric
perforations were by far the commonest anatomical site (82.8%) followed by duodenal
(14.3%). Postoperative hospital stay prolonging 10 days was 51.4% and 37% died after
surgery.
Conclusion: Perforated peptic ulcers occur more in males below 45 years old, most of
whom are middle income earners and Lusaka -based. A third of the study group tested
positive for HIV and more than half confirmed being regular alcohol drinkers. About a
third confirmed smoking cigarettes. The majority of patients denied history of previous
peptic ulcer disease. Nearly half the group confirmed usage of NSAIDs and about a third
were Blood group O+. Gastric perforations were in the greater majority with half the patients prolonging hospital stay for more than 10 days. Mortality following surgery was high (37%). A larger study group ought to be recruited for definitive conclusions to be made.
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Keywords
Peptic Ulcer , Ulcers(adults)--University teaching Hospital--Zambia