Risk of further ulcer complications after an episode of peptic ulcer bleeding

The trends of pediatric duodenal ulcer and predictors of recurrence

BACKGROUND

Duodenal ulcer (DU) causes various symptoms in children. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (Hp)-associated DU has been reducing in some regions, yet the updated trend in Taiwan is unknown. Risk factors of DU recurrence have not been comprehensively investigated in children.

METHODS

This retrospective study included children diagnosed with DU to evaluate the demographics, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, and outcomes. Specific populations (infant, surgery required) were sorted for subgroup analysis. Predictors of DU recurrence was analyzed in patients who received endoscopic follow-ups.

RESULTS

A total of 488 children were included. Most patients were male (72.5%), school-aged (11.3 ± 4.8 years old), and with varied underlying diseases in one-fifth. The annual incidences were around 3-5%, with a declining trend of case numbers and the Hp-positive proportion. Hp infection, concurrent gastric ulcer, perforation, and mortality were noted in 32.7%, 16%, 1.6%, and 1% of patients. Patients with or without Hp infection showed different clinical features but similar outcomes. The characteristics of subpopulations were depicted respectively. Male sex, lower Hb level, and perforation were independent risk factors associated with recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Hp-positive DU seems to wane. Patients with male sex, lower Hb level, or perforation at diagnosis carried a higher risk of recurrence, which may warrant active surveillance and endoscopic follow-up.

Perforated Peptic Ulcer Repair: Factors Predicting Conversion in Laparoscopy and Postoperative Septic Complications

OBJECTIVE

The surgical treatment for perforated peptic ulcers can be safely performed laparoscopically. The aim of the study was to define simple predictive factors for conversion and septic complications.

METHODS

This retrospective case-control study analyzed patients treated with either laparoscopic surgery or laparotomy for perforated peptic ulcers.

RESULTS

A total of 71 patients were analyzed. Laparoscopically operated patients had a shorter hospital stay (13.7 vs. 15.1 days). In an intention-to-treat analysis, patients with conversion to open surgery (analyzed as subgroup from laparoscopic approach group) showed no prolonged hospital stay (15.3 days) compared to patients with a primary open approach. Complication and mortality rates were not different between the groups. The statistical analysis identified four intraoperative risk factors for conversion: Mannheim peritonitis index (MPI) > 21 (p = 0.02), generalized peritonitis (p = 0.04), adhesions, and perforations located in a region other than the duodenal anterior wall. We found seven predictive factors for septic complications: age >70 (p = 0.02), cardiopulmonary disease (p = 0.04), ASA > 3 (p = 0.002), CRP > 100 (p = 0.005), duration of symptoms >24 h (p = 0.02), MPI > 21(p = 0.008), and generalized peritonitis (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that a primary laparoscopic approach has no disadvantages. Factors necessitating conversions emerged during the procedure inhibiting a preoperative selection. Factors suggesting imminent septic complications can be assessed preoperatively. An assessment of the proposed parameters may help optimize the management of possible septic complications.

Poor late prognosis of bleeding peptic ulcer

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Long-term course of peptic ulcer bleeding is unclear. Because of a more aged and more diseased ulcer population, the long-term prognosis may be expected as poor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a prospective study, all patients with peptic ulcer bleeding treated at the Department of Surgery of the Heinrich-Heine-University in Düsseldorf were included between 1986 and 1995. Follow-up covered hospital mortality, 1-month mortality, 1-year mortality, and 5-years mortality. Significant prognostic parameters for death were investigated in univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-one out of 192 patients with peptic ulcer bleeding could be followed up. One-month mortality was similar to hospital mortality with 12.3%, 1-year mortality was 28.7%, and the 5-years mortality was 46.8%! In univariate analysis, statistically significant prognostic factors for death were ages beyond 70 years, concomitant diseases, risk-related drugs, postinterventional complications, and recurrent bleeding. In multivariate analysis, age, postinterventional complications, and type of admission were statistically significant parameters for death.

CONCLUSION

Long-term prognosis of peptic ulcer bleeding is poor! The majority of deaths after hospital stay is probably not because of ulcer bleeding, but because of more aged patients with severe concomitant diseases.

Bleeding peptic ulcer: An evolving role for surgical intervention

Early surgical intervention was previously advocated in patients > 60 years with bleeding peptic ulcer presenting with haemodynamic instability or ongoing transfusion requirements. It is, however, well recognized that emergency surgical intervention with its inherent risks must be reserved for highly selected patients in whom endoscopy initially fails to control exsanquinating haemorrhage or in whom life-threatening bleeding recurs. Therapeutic endoscopy for bleeding ulcer has led to a remarkable decline in rebleeding rates, the need for emergency surgery and mortality. Octogenarians are at risk, particularly when ulcer size exceeds 2 cm. Poor surgical candidates make up two-thirds of patients with major ulcer bleeding and operation is to be avoided if at all possible. Medical therapy with proton pump inhibitor and subsequent eradication of Helicobacter pylori following endoscopic treatment has been shown to be beneficial to outcomes. Should surgery be deemed necessary, it is likely that laparoscopic techniques to control bleeding, with or without the addition of an acid-reducing procedure, will find a role in haemodynamically stable patients undergoing operation on an early elective basis.