Etiological Factors in Urgent Gastroduodenal Ulcer

Aim: The goal of the study is to assess the impact of the etiological and risk factors in the cases of urgent gastroduodenal ulcer.

Methods: This is a prospective study which included 67 patients selected randomly, all with urgent, life-threatening complications of the gastroduodenal ulcer, treated at the University Clinic for Digestive Surgery and the University Clinic for Gastroenterohepatology. For the purpose of the study the titer of IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori in serum is examined, as well as the use of NSAID and aspirin. We also tested the use of nicotine and alcohol. Besides these factors, we took into consideration the sex and the age.

Results: The serological test of Helicobacter pylori was positive in 89.6% of the cases. 31.3% used NSAID and 16.4% used aspirin. Large number, 65.7% of the patients were smokers, while 25.4% used alcohol.

With regard to the sex, 83.6% were male and 16.4% were female. The most frequent age group was the one from 41 to 60 years with 40.3% and those between 61 and 80 years of age with 35.8%.

Conclusion: The presence of Helicobacter pylori with the urgent gastroduodenal ulcer was exceptionally high, in 89.6% of the duodenal and gastric ulcers. NSAID and aspirin are factors that also influence the etiology of this disease. Smoking is a significant risk factor. Alcohol is less present, but still an important factor.