Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have reported seasonal variations in peptic ulcer disease (PUD), but only few large-scale, population-based studies have been conducted in this regard. In this study, we wanted to present the seasonal relationship of peptic ulcer perforation admissions, seasonal variation of its incidence, modes of surgical management, the seasonal distribution of postoperative severe complications and the patient outcome. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study. Patients hospitalized for peptic ulcer perforation between 1st January 2008 and 1st January 2020 were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to postoperative complication status as Group1 - Clavien Dindo < 3 and Group 2 - Clavien Dindo > 3. Age, gender and seasonal periods were compared. In addition, patients were divided into three groups according to age as 18 – 40 yrs., 40 - 60 yrs. and over 60 yrs. The gender and complication status of the patients were also evaluated in seasonal groups. RESULTS 135 patients participated in our study. Group 1 constituted of 107 patients and Group 2 constituted of 28 patients. Admission to the hospital due to peptic ulcer perforation was most common in spring (29.6 %) and summer (29.6 %). Twenty - eight patients had Clavien - Dindo 3 or more complications. The mean age was higher in Group 2 (70.78 vs 50.2 P : 0.001) as well as female gender dominancy (60.7 % vs 29.9 %). In Group 2 winter months were more frequent (46,5 % vs 21.5 %); however, there was no significant difference between the seasons and the complication groups. In Group 2, female gender was more common in winter (21.7 % vs 69.2 % P:0.005) and autumn season (31.3 % vs 100 % P : 0.027). CONCLUSIONS In our study, we found an increased incidence of peptic ulcer perforation in spring and summer. For patients at higher risk, an appropriate pharmacological treatment can be arranged to reduce the risk of perforation during the risky season. KEY WORDS Peptic Ulcer Disease, Seasonal Change, Complication
Publisher
Akshantala Enterprises Private Limited