Peptic ulceration in general practice in England and Wales 1994-98: period prevalence and drug management

Analysis of gastroscopy results among healthy people undergoing a medical checkup: a retrospective study

Background

The association of upper gastrointestinal endoscopic findings with sex, age, and Helicobacter pylori infection in asymptomatic healthy people is unclear. The aim of this study was to retrospectively determine the associations of upper gastrointestinal endoscopic findings in asymptomatic healthy people with sex, age, and H. pylori infection.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 2923 patients from a health examination center in Xiangya Hospital between September 2015 and September 2019. Data on sex, age, H. pylori infection, and gastroscopy results were collected.

Results

Among 2923 asymptomatic patients who underwent gastroscopy, 2911 (99.59%) had abnormal results. The top three results were chronic gastritis (95.11%), peptic ulcer (17.45%), and duodenitis (9.17%). Inflammation of the gastric mucosa in chronic gastritis was more severe in the H. pylori-positive group. The incidence of peptic ulcer decreased with increasing age and was higher in men, patients aged < 30 years, and H. pylori-positive patients. The incidence of polyps was higher in women (9.54%) than in men (5.94%), and the incidence in individuals aged ≥60 years (11.63%) was higher than that in those aged < 60 years (6.83%). The pathological results of gastric polyps depended on the location of the lesion.

Conclusion

The incidence of abnormal upper gastrointestinal endoscopic results is high in asymptomatic healthy people undergoing a check-up and is associated with sex, age, and H. pylori infection. Gastroscopy should be considered part of a routine health check.

Clinical Efficiency and Safety of Magnetic-Controlled Capsule Endoscopy for Gastric Diseases in Aging Patients: Our Preliminary Experience

BACKGROUND

The elderly assess higher incidence of gastric diseases and may meet challenges and contraindications when flexible esophagogastroduodenoscopy intubating. Magnetic-controlled capsule endoscopy (MCE) is declared as a promising alternative, but its applications in elderly population do not attach enough importance.

AIMS

To explore MCE's efficiency and safety in the elderly.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective study has been conducted. Data from the elderly group (>65 year-old) who underwent MCE examination, including indications, MCE outcomes, gastric conditions, evaluations from MCE manipulators and endoscopists, subjective discomforts, adverse events, etc., had been collected, then analyzed, and compared with the ones from the middle-aged group (>40, ≤ 65 year-old).

RESULTS

During April 2015 and September 2018, 98 elderly patients and 72 middle-aged patients underwent MCE examination. In the elderly, the indications included poor physical condition (28.6%), severe angiocardiopathy (39.8%), EGD rejection (13.3%), severe respiratory disorder (8.2%), craniocerebral injury (8.2%), and allergy to anesthetics (2.0%). Rate of complete gastric observation and positive finding were 98.0% and 72.4% (vs. middle-aged group, 94.4%, 56.9%, P = 0.220, 0.035), and gastric conditions showed relatively inferior. Gastric preparation and MCE procedure were generally tolerated, but three elderly patients (3.1%) experienced capsule blockage in stomach.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary data support that MCE offers considerable benefit and is general safe for the elderly. We hope such data promote greater awareness of innovative attempts for the specific elderly, and expect multi-center, large-scale trials with randomized controlled design bring optimized strategies for better gastric visibility, efficacy and lower potential risk.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Peptic Ulcer Disease

Peptic ulcer disease continues to be a source of significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Approximately two-thirds of patients found to have peptic ulcer disease are asymptomatic. In symptomatic patients, the most common presenting symptom of peptic ulcer disease is epigastric pain, which may be associated with dyspepsia, bloating, abdominal fullness, nausea, or early satiety. Most cases of peptic ulcer disease are associated with Helicobacter pylori infection or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or both. In this review, we discuss the role of proton pump inhibitors in the management of peptic ulcer disease, highlight the latest guidelines about the diagnosis and management of H. pylori, and discuss the latest evidence in the management of complications related to peptic ulcer disease, including endoscopic intervention for peptic ulcer-related bleeding. Timely diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease and its sequelae are crucial in order to minimize associated morbidity and mortality, as is prevention of peptic ulcer disease among patients at high risk, including those infected with H. pylori and users of NSAIDs.

Gastric Ulcer Complications after the Introduction of Proton Pump Inhibitors into Clinical Routine: 20-Year Experience

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to analyze the admissions and the management of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) in a tertiary care surgical center.

METHODS

We evaluated the medical records of all patients admitted to the University Hospital of Tübingen, Germany, for treatment of PUD during 1989-2008. Patients were included into the study if the diagnosis was verified endoscopically or surgically. Annual number of admissions, length of hospitalization, mortality rate, age, rate of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication, rate of Helicobacter pylori infection, and complications of PUD and surgery performed were recorded. Data were analyzed by descriptive analyses, Pearson's chi-square test, and regression analysis.

RESULTS

This study included 614 admissions. The number of annual admissions (31 ± 12), the length of hospitalization (9 ± 3 days), and the mortality rate (5 ± 4% per year) remained constant, whereas the age increased (1989: 52 ± 14 years vs. 2008: 67 ± 16 years). The rates of patients with H. pylori infection (47 ± 28% per year), NSAIDs treatment (29 ± 15% per year), and PPI treatment (31 ± 27% per year) remained constant. The most frequent PUD complication was hemorrhage (42 ± 16% per year), followed by perforation (9 ± 8% per year). During 1999-2008, more hemorrhages (125 vs. 121; p < 0.05) and perforations (40 vs. 21; p < 0.05) were registered than during 1989-1998. The rate of emergency surgery increased from 70% during 1989-1998 to 87% during 1999-2008. In contrast, elective surgery decreased from 21% during 1989-1998 to 7% during 1999-2008. Ulcer excision and oversewing was the most frequent surgical procedure performed (59%), with decreasing rates of acid-reducing surgery.

CONCLUSION

Despite recent advances in PUD management, ulcer hemorrhage and perforation remain a significant health burden and a surgical disease.

When Should Antiplatelet Agents Be Resumed After Successful Endoscopic Hemostasis in Patients with Peptic Ulcer Bleeding?

BACKGROUND

During treatment for peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB), it is imperative to determine the effect of antiplatelet agents on recurrent bleeding in order to balance risks and benefits.

AIMS

We compared the rate of recurrent bleeding in antiplatelet users and non-users.

METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed prospectively collected data from PUB patients treated by endoscopic modalities between August 2007 and December 2014. We evaluated and compared the rate of recurrent bleeding within 30 days in antiplatelet users and non-users; we also categorized antiplatelet users into continuation (≤3 days) and withdrawal (>3 days) groups.

RESULTS

A total of 490 patients were enrolled in the study, 302 (61.6 %) and 188 (38.4 %) in the non-user and antiplatelet user groups, respectively. The recurrent bleeding rate among antiplatelet users (10.1 %) was significantly higher than that among non-users (5.0 %; p = 0.029). Among 188 antiplatelet users, 51 (27.1 %) and 137 (72.9 %) were assigned to the continuation and withdrawal groups, respectively. The rate of recurrent bleeding did not differ significantly between groups (11.7 vs. 5.9 %, p = 0.241). Multivariate analysis revealed chronic kidney disease as a risk factor [odds ratio (OR) 2.890, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.079-7.742, p = 0.035]. However, antiplatelet use (OR 1.691, 95 % CI 0.813-3.517, p = 0.160) was not.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the need for clinicians to consider underlying diseases in antiplatelet users under the appropriate antiplatelet therapy during the post-hemostasis period. Furthermore, the optimal time to resume antiplatelet agents may be 3 days after successful endoscopic hemostasis in patients with PUB.

Temporal trends of Barrett's oesophagus and gastro-oesophageal reflux and related oesophageal cancer over a 10-year period in England and Wales and associated proton pump inhibitor and H2RA prescriptions: a GPRD study

INTRODUCTION

There is an increasing burden of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and Barrett's oesophagus (BO), paralleled by an increasing incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

Using the General Practice Research Database, we derived the incidence GORD and BO and incidence of oesophageal cancer (OC) populations, between 1996 and 2005. Acid suppression treatment over the study period was also studied.

RESULTS

There were 5860 patients with BO and 1 25 519 with GORD. The incidence of BO increased from 0.11 to 0.24/1000 men and from 0.06 to 0.11/1000 women. The incidence of GORD diagnosed in general practice remained stable. There were 69 incident OCs in patients with BOs and 183 incident OCs in patients with GORD occurring more than a year after the GORD diagnosis. The cumulative incidence of OC was 3.00/1000 BO patient years and 0.30/1000 GORD patient years. There was a progressive decrease in H2RA prescriptions from 39 to 14.5% and an increase in proton pump inhibitor prescriptions from 52 to 79% in patients with a new diagnosis of GORD.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of BO has doubled from 1996 to 2005, whereas the incidence of GORD has remained stable. OC occurred 10 times more commonly in patients with BO than those with GORD. Proton pump inhibitor prescribing increased gradually over the study period. These trends have significant implications for healthcare planning and financing in the UK and other countries.

Trends in Peptic Ulcer Disease and the Identification of Helicobacter Pylori as a Causative Organism: Population-based Estimates from the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample

Background:

Peptic ulcer disease can lead to serious complications including massive hemorrhage or bowel perforation. The modern treatment of peptic ulcer disease has transitioned from the control of gastric acid secretion to include antibiotic therapy in light of the identification of Helicobacter pylori as a causative infectious organism. We sought to determine trends related to this discovery by using a national database.

Materials and Methods:

Patient discharges with peptic ulcer disease and associated sequelae were queried from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 1993 to 2007, under the auspices of a data user agreement. To account for the Nationwide Inpatient Sample weighting schema, design-adjusted analyses were used. Standard error was calculated using SUDAAN software (Research Triangle International, NC, USA).

Results:

Decreases in the incidences of gastrointestinal perforation, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and surgical procedures most specific to peptic ulcer disease were statistically significant over the study period [range of P value (two tailed) = 0.000 – 0.00353; significant at P < 0.001 to < 0.01]. The incidence of H. pylori rose dramatically, peaking at an estimated 97,823 cases in 1998 [SE = 3155; 95% CI = 6,184]. Since that time it has decreased and then stabilized.

Conclusions:

The identification of H. pylori as the causative agent in the majority of peptic ulcer disease has revolutionized the understanding and management of the disease. Medical conditions and surgical procedures associated with end-stage peptic ulcer disease have significantly decreased according to analysis of selected index categories. Resident physician education objectives may need to be modified in light of these trends.

Review Criteria:

We reviewed patients with peptic ulcer disease. The database used was the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 1993 to 2007.

Message for the Clinic:

Medical therapy has resulted in decreased morbidity from H. pylori infection as it is the causative agent in the majority of peptic ulcer disease. Aggressive screening and treatment of this infection will lead to further reduction in morbidity.

Incidence and 30-day mortality of peptic ulcer bleeding in Korea

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the rates of peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) incidence and the association of demographic factors with 30-day mortality after PUB.

METHODS

Diagnostic algorithms for PUB were derived and validated on the basis of 115 true PUB patients at one tertiary hospital in 2005, followed by estimation of age-specific PUB incidence and 30-day mortality rates, using the Korean National Health Insurance claim database. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine the impact of demographic factors on the 30-day mortality rate ratio (MRR) after PUB.

RESULTS

The diagnostic algorithm showed 89 and 88% positive predictive value and sensitivity, respectively. On the basis of this algorithm, the rate of PUB incidence was 22.1 per 100 000 during 2006-2007 and the age-specific incidence rate increased with advanced age. This incidence rate was more than three times higher among men than women. Among 21 107 PUB patients, the overall 30-day mortality rate was 2.15%, but it ranged from 0.83% for patients younger than 60 years to 7.65% for patients older than 80 years. The adjusted 30-day mortality rate ratio for patients older than 80 was 8.13 (95% confidence interval 6.10-10.8) compared with those younger than 60 and 7.09 (95% confidence interval 2.78-4.51) for patients with a high level of comorbidity compared with a low level of comorbidity.

CONCLUSION

PUB incidence was higher among men and increased with advanced age. Increased 30-day mortality was observed in association with increasing age, after adjusting for comorbidity.

Historical impact to drive research in peptic ulcer disease

The story of gastric acid secretion began with early ideas on gastric secretion (Spallanzani and de Réaumur, 17th century) and with first descriptions of food digestion (Dupuytren and Bichat, Beaumont, early 18th century), followed by proof that gastric juice contained acid (Prout, early 18th century). The research continued with first descriptions of gastric glands as the source of gastric acid and its changes upon digestive stimulus (Purkinje and Golgi, mid and late 19th century). The theory of 'nervism' - the neuro-reflex stimulation of gastric secretion by vagal nerve (Pavlov, early 20th century) was contrasted by a histamine-mediated concept of gastric secretion (Popielski and Code, mid 20th century). Thus, gastric acid and pepsin (Schwann, early 19th century) were found to be essential for food digestion and studies also pointed to histamine, being the most potent final common chemostimulator of oxyntic cells. The discoveries in etiopathogenesis of mucosal injury were marked by the famous dictum: 'No acid, no ulcer' ('Ohne saueren Magensaft kein peptisches Geschwür', Schwarz, 1910) that later induced the term of 'mucosal defense' and the notion that the breaking of 'gastric mucosal barrier' represents the initial step in the process of mucosal injury (Davenport, Code and Scholer, mid 20th century). The prostaglandins were shown to influence all major components of gastric mucosal barrier, described with the term 'cytoprotection' (Vane, Robert and Jacobson, 1970s). Beginning in the latter half of 19th century, the studies on gastric bacteriology that followed enabled the discovery of association between Campylobacter (Helicobacter) pylori and peptic ulcers (Warren and Marshall, 1980s) that led to worldwide major interventions in treating peptic ulcer disease. The surgical approach to peptic ulcer had been outlined by resection procedures (Billroth, Pean, Moynihan, late 19 century) and vagotomy, with or without drainage procedures (Jaboulay, Latarjet, Dragstedt, mid 20th century). Antacids, protective agents, anticholinergics, and later gastrin antagonists and prostaglandins were used for decades in the treatment of peptic ulcer, with differing effects. The advent of the concept of H(2)-receptor antagonists (Black, 1970s) and the discovery of acid (proton) pumps in parietal cells (Ganser, Forte and Sachs, late 1970s) paved the way for potent (H(2) antagonists) and profound acid inhibition (proton pump inhibitors) that revolutionized the treatment of acid-related disorders, including peptic ulcer disease. Worldwide, peptic ulcer and its complications remain the cause of significant morbidity, especially in older age groups, representing a major burden for ambulatory and hospital healthcare resources.

Systematic review of peptic ulcer disease incidence rates: do studies without validation provide reliable estimates?

PURPOSE

Incidence rate (IR) estimates for peptic ulcer disease (PUD) vary widely among studies. We conducted a systematic review to quantify and examine the discrepancies.

METHODS

Of 4780 articles identified from PubMed and EMBASE databases, 31 published in the last three decades that had reported IRs of PUD in the general population were included. Random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression were performed to calculate pooled estimates and to identify sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

The pooled IR estimate per 1000 person-years was 0.90 (95% confidence interval: 0.78-1.04) for uncomplicated PUD, 0.57 (0.49-0.65) for peptic ulcer bleeding, 0.10 (0.08-0.13) for gastrointestinal perforations, and 3.18 (2.05-4.92) for nonspecific PUD. Within specific outcomes definitions, IR estimates were significantly lower in studies with restriction to hospitalized cases, case validation, and case ascertainment directly from hospital or clinical sources versus computerized health care databases. Younger age, female sex, and later calendar time were also associated with lower PUD incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that the IR of uncomplicated PUD was in the order of one case per 1000 person-years in the general population, and that the IR of peptic ulcer complications was around 0.7 cases per 1000 person-years. Comparisons of IR estimates among studies need to take into account disease definition and other study characteristics, particularly whether outcome validation was performed in computerized claims. The use of claims to identify PUD cases might overestimate the IR by around 45%.

Trends in gastrointestinal bleeding in the Region of Valencia (2000-2005). Relationship to sales of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acid suppression medication

OBJECTIVE

To describe 2000-2005 time trends of prescription for NSAIDs, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and hospital admissions for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.

METHODS

Time series analysis of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding admission and drugs' Defined Daily Dose per 1000 people per day (DDD/1000/day) in the Region of Valencia, Spain, from January 2000 to December 2005.

RESULTS

Dispensation of NSAIDs went from 42.7 DDD/1000 people/day in 2000 to 58.3 DDD/1000 people/day in 2005. During the same period, dispensation of PPIs went from 26.3 DDD/1000 people/day to 68.5 DDD/1000 people/day (both are statistically significant). The rate of hospitalisations for gastrointestinal bleeding during this period oscillated between 142 and 126 admission per 100 000 inhabitants/year. No year showed significant differences compared to 2000.

CONCLUSION

A substantial increase in the NSAID use from 2000 to 2005 was not accompanied by changes in GI bleeding hospitalisation rates in Valencia, but GI bleeding rates continued to be high, suggesting a need to improve NSAIDs use.

Uncomplicated peptic ulcer in the UK: trends from 1997 to 2005

BACKGROUND

Few studies have examined the incidence of uncomplicated peptic ulcer or the trends in factors affecting its incidence.

AIM

To estimate the incidence rate of uncomplicated peptic ulcer in the UK from 1997 to 2005 and report temporal changes in the main known preventive and risk factors.

METHODS

Population-based cohort study of 1 049 689 patients enrolled in The Health Improvement Network in the UK. We estimated the incidence rate of uncomplicated peptic ulcer and evaluated temporal trends in demographic characteristics and prescription patterns for various anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective agents.

RESULTS

Overall uncomplicated peptic ulcer incidence was 0.75 cases per 1000 persons-years, declining from 1.1 to 0.52 cases per 1000 person-years between 1997 and 2005. Distributions of age, gender and alcohol habits were similar in 1997 and 2005. The proportion of documented Helicobacter pylori-negative cases increased from 5% to 12%. Monthly prevalence of subjects with prescriptions for traditional non-aspirin NSAIDs changed from 7.7% to 6.8%, Coxibs from 0% to 0.7%, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) from 2.4% to 7.4%. The proportion of subjects on prescription NSAIDs on PPIs increased continuously over time.

CONCLUSION

A reduction in H. pylori-related peptic ulcers, changing patterns in NSAID use and increasing PPI use may have contributed to a decline in uncomplicated peptic ulcer incidence in the UK.

Systematic review: the global incidence and prevalence of peptic ulcer disease

BACKGROUND

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is most commonly associated with Helicobacter pylori infection and the use of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The management of H. pylori infection has improved radically in recent years; however, the prescription of ASA and NSAIDs has increased over the same period.

AIM

To evaluate the current global incidence and prevalence of PUD by systematic review of the literature published over the last decade.

METHODS

Systematic searches of PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane library.

RESULTS

The annual incidence rates of PUD were 0.10-0.19% for physician-diagnosed PUD and 0.03-0.17% when based on hospitalization data. The 1-year prevalence based on physician diagnosis was 0.12-1.50% and that based on hospitalization data was 0.10-0.19%. The majority of studies reported a decrease in the incidence or prevalence of PUD over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Peptic ulcer disease remains a common condition, although reported incidence and prevalence are decreasing. This decrease may be due to a decrease in H. pylori-associated PUD.

The cumulative burden of oral corticosteroid side effects and the economic implications of steroid use

Oral corticosteroids (OCS) are a key part of therapy regimens for a diverse variety of conditions. Despite their efficacy, they are associated with a wide variety of adverse events. The purpose of this review was to identify the range of adverse events that have been reported to be related to oral corticosteroids, examine the factors that influence their incidence and estimate the economic burden caused by these adverse events. In 61 identified studies, 21 different categories of OCS related adverse events were reported with increased fracture risk being the category most frequently described. Most studies that examined factors linked to the incidence of OCS related adverse events found that dose, age, gender, duration of use, treatment history, smoking habits or cholesterol level were influential in determining risk. Additionally, a cumulative economic analysis of selected adverse events found the annual cost of treating these events in the UK to be at least 165 pounds per patient taking OCS. The clinical and economic burden of OCS related adverse events highlights the need for OCS sparing therapies to be developed.

A nationwide population-based cohort study shows reduced hospitalization for peptic ulcer disease associated with H pylori eradication and proton pump inhibitor use

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The incidence of peptic ulcer diseases has decreased significantly during past decades. Despite several significant population-based studies in Western countries, studies of Asian populations are lacking. We therefore investigated the incidence of hospital admissions for peptic ulcer disease in Taiwan during a 10-year period.

METHODS

This nationwide population-based cohort study was based on data obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database (a population of 23 million). In total, 403,567 patients with peptic ulcer diseases were recruited for the study. Standardized incidences of admissions were calculated to estimate changes.

RESULTS

Hospitalization for peptic ulcer diseases decreased significantly between 1997 and 2006 in Taiwan. The incidences of admissions decreased from 68.3 to 39.6 per 100,000 for uncomplicated gastric ulcer, from 116.9 to 61.1 for bleeding gastric ulcer, and from 11.0 to 6.3 for perforated gastric ulcer. The incidences decreased from 46.4 to 13.6 per 100,000 for uncomplicated duodenal ulcer, from 108.0 to 40.1 for bleeding duodenal ulcer, and from 9.8 to 5.8 for perforated duodenal ulcer. The declines were observed in both genders, in all age groups, and at all hospital levels. Significant increases in Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy (202% increase) and proton pump inhibitor use (1071% increase) might have contributed to these decreases.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidences of gastric and duodenal ulcer diseases decreased 42%-48% and 41%-71%, respectively, in Taiwan between 1997 and 2006.

Has peptic ulcer disease changed during the past ten years in Korea? A prospective multi-center study

BACKGROUND

The incidence of H. pylori-negative, idiopathic peptic ulcer disease (IPUD) seems to be increasing with the changing trends of PUD and H. pylori infection in some developed countries.

AIM

To investigate the changing trend of PUD and the prevalence ofH. pylori infection during the last decade and the prevalence of IPUD in Korea.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated H. pylori infection and the characteristics of PUD in 895 patients with newly diagnosed PUD from September 2004 to February 2005.

RESULTS

The H. pylori infection rate in PUD was 72.0% and the proportion of IPUD was 22.2%. The proportion of gastric ulcer (GU) has significantly increased (47.8% vs. 44.3%) and the proportion of duodenal ulcer (DU) has significantly decreased (38.9% vs. 44.9%) compared with ten years ago. The changing trend in the prevalence of H. pylori infection in GU and DU showed an increase in GU (66.1% vs. 73.1%, P = 0.014) and a decrease in DU (79.3% vs. 68.1%, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Compared with our results of ten years ago, there has been a significant change in the distribution of PUD and in the prevalence of H. pylori infection in GU and DU. Patients with IPUD are not uncommon in Korea.

Epidemiology of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding is an important emergency situation. Population-based epidemiology data are important to get insight in the actual healthcare problem. There are only few recent epidemiological surveys regarding acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Several surveys focusing on peptic ulcer disease showed a significant decrease in admission and mortality of peptic ulcer disease. Several more recent epidemiological surveys show a decrease in incidence of all cause upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The incidence of peptic ulcer bleeding remained stable. Peptic ulcer bleeding is the most common cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, responsible for about 50% of all cases, followed by oesophagitis and erosive disease. Variceal bleeding is the cause of bleeding in cirrhotic patients in 50-60%. Rebleeding in upper gastrointestinal bleeding occurs in 7-16%, despite endoscopic therapy. Rebleeding is especially high in variceal bleeding and peptic ulcer bleeding. Mortality ranges between 3 and 14% and did not change in the past 10 years. Mortality is increasing with increasing age and is significantly higher in patients who are already admitted in hospital for co-morbidity. Risk factors for peptic ulcer bleeding are NSAIDs use and H. pylori infection. In patients at risk for gastrointestinal bleeding and using NSAIDs, a protective drug was only used in 10%. COX-2 selective inhibitors do cause less gastroduodenal ulcers compared to non-selective NSAIDs, however, more cardiovascular adverse events are reported. H. pylori infection is found in about 50% of peptic ulcer bleeding patients. H. pylori should be tested for in all ulcer patients and eradication should be given.

Redução da prevalência de úlcera duodenal: um estudo brasileiro (análise retrospectiva na última década: 1996-2005)

RACIONAL: A úlcera duodenal sempre representou uma doença muito prevalente entre as enfermidades digestivas, em qualquer parte do mundo. A prevalência média era de aproximadamente 10% da população mundial. A partir do início dos anos 90, a literatura, tanto européia como norte-americana, passou a demonstrar sua redução gradativa entre seus países. OBJETIVO: Demonstrar, através de análise retrospectiva, a prevalência anual da úlcera duodenal nos últimos 10 anos em um Serviço de Endoscopia Digestiva que é referência para o sistema público de saúde da cidade de Porto Alegre, municípios da Grande Porto Alegre e outras cidades vizinhas da mesma. Os dados analisados são de março de 1996 até dezembro de 2005. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo transversal, com análise documental de diagnósticos endoscópicos efetuados em endoscopia digestiva alta, no referido Serviço. Foi feita a análise retrospectiva de diagnósticos endoscópicos efetuados em 13.130 pacientes submetidos a endoscopia digestiva alta no período de março de 1996 a dezembro de 2005. A classificação de Sakita foi utilizada para o estádio do grau evolutivo da úlcera duodenal e foi considerado por ela acometido o paciente com a lesão no estágio A1, até o estágio S1, inclusive. Observou-se também a prevalência nos dois sexos, na raça, o percentual médio total nos 10 anos, além da prevalência anual. Para verificar se houve significância estatística dos resultados observados nos diferentes períodos, foi aplicado um teste de regressão linear ("linear regression model"). RESULTADOS: Observou-se decréscimo gradativo dos percentuais de prevalência da úlcera duodenal, ano após ano, iniciando-se em 1996 com 8,6% e se encerrando no final de 2005, com 3,3%. A exceção do período foi observada no ano de 2003 quando houve um acréscimo, comparando-se com o decréscimo gradativo dos 6 anos anteriores. Mas já, a partir do período seguinte (2004), a queda gradativa voltou a ser observada. O valor médio de queda anual, aplicando o teste de regressão linear, foi da ordem de 1,3% ao ano, no período analisado (10 anos). Este teste mostrou também significância estatística. A raça branca representou a maioria, com 78% dos pacientes, em relação a raça negra. O sexo masculino, em todos os períodos analisados, exceto em um (1997), foi o sexo mais acometido, com uma relação final masculino/feminino da ordem de 1.17/1.0. CONCLUSÕES: Observou-se então, neste estudo efetuado no Brasil, também uma redução da prevalência da úlcera duodenal, já apontada pela literatura em outros países. Estudos posteriores devem ser efetuados no sentido de apontar as razões desta importante observação.

Is endoscopic screening before major surgical procedures warranted?

BACKGROUND

Gastroenterologists are frequently requested to perform endoscopic procedures to rule out cancer or other serious GI disease before major surgical operations.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether such requests are warranted.

DESIGN

Cost benefit analysis by using decision tree and threshold analysis.

PATIENTS

Subjects scheduled for liver and kidney transplant or other major surgeries.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Costs of medical and surgical procedures. The threshold value is defined as the a priori probability for a GI diagnosis, where the benefit of endoscopy changes from unfavorable to favorable as the diagnostic probability increases.

RESULTS

For all types of organ transplants, the threshold probability for diagnosing a GI disease by endoscopy is lower than 1%. Such a low threshold suggests that if a disease cannot be ruled out with certainty before transplant operations or any other major surgical operation, endoscopic screening would be warranted. For lesser interventions, such as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and coronary bypass grafting, the threshold value varies between 3.2% and 6.5%, which suggests that endoscopic screening may be justified if there are sufficient grounds to suspect a comorbid medical condition that could compromise the success of the planned surgical intervention.

LIMITATIONS

The model only considers procedure costs and assumes no endoscopic complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic screening before costly and invasive surgical or other medical interventions is justified.

Recent trends in hospital admissions and mortality rates for peptic ulcer in Scotland 1982-2002

BACKGROUND

While overall hospital admission rates for peptic ulcer declined in England in the 1990 s, they increased among the elderly, especially for complicated ulcer. However, peptic ulcer admissions fell for all age groups in the United States.

AIM

To examine time trends in the incidence of hospital admissions, mortality and operations because of peptic ulcer in Scotland from 1982 to 2002, and the use of various drugs relevant to the aetiology and treatment of peptic ulcer from 1992 to 2002.

RESULTS

There was a general decrease in admission rates, especially for younger individuals. For individuals aged above 74 years, admission rates actually increased for gastric ulcer with haemorrhage among men, and for duodenal ulcer haemorrhage between both sexes. The number of operations fell dramatically, especially for younger patients. Mortality rates generally declined. Case fatality rates were greater for women than men, and declined over the study period for gastric ulcer, but increased for duodenal ulcer. The use of low-dose aspirin, oral anticoagulants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and proton-pump inhibitors increased while those of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and histamine-2 antagonists declined.

CONCLUSIONS

Admission rates for peptic ulcer generally fell for younger individuals, but increased for older people with haemorrhage.

Complicated and uncomplicated peptic ulcers in a Danish county 1993-2002: a population-based cohort study

Peptic ulcer epidemiology changes as the proportion of Helicobacter pylori infected people decreases, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) increases, and the proportion of elderly persons increases.

OBJECTIVES

To describe incidence and prognosis of uncomplicated and complicated peptic ulcer patients in Funen County 1993-2002.

METHODS

Data on endoscopies, gastric and duodenal operations, and related peptic ulcer diagnoses were extracted from four population-based databases covering a period from 1974 to 2002. All citizens of Funen County (population 470,000) who between 1993 and 2002 had a peptic ulcer diagnosed for the first time were identified.

RESULTS

Between 1993 and 2002 the incidence of uncomplicated duodenal ulcer decreased from 0.55/1,000 person-years (95% CI 0.49-0.62) to 0.37 (0.31-0.43), uncomplicated gastric ulcer decreased from 0.56 (0.49-0.63) to 0.40 (0.34-0.46), and perforated ulcer decreased from 0.14 (0.11-0.18) to 0.08 (0.06-0.11). The incidence of bleeding peptic ulcer was stable with 0.55 (0.49-0.62) in 1993 and 0.57 (0.51-0.64) in 2002. The proportion of possible NSAID-related incident peptic ulcers increased from 320/827 (39%) in 1993 to 363/686 (53%) in 2002 (p < 0.01). A total of 3,233 patients with incident complicated peptic ulcer (9,927 person-years) and 4,421 patients with incident uncomplicated peptic ulcer (17,773 person-years) was followed for up to 10 yr. The first month following newly diagnosed complicated ulcer the standardized mortality rate was 37.1 (33.4-41.1) during the next 11 months it was 5.1 (4.6-5.6), and in the following years it was 2.6 (2.4-2.8). The corresponding figures for incident uncomplicated peptic ulcer was 11.6 (9.6-13.9), 4.0 (3.6-4.4), and 2.5 (2.3-2.7).

CONCLUSION

During the period, incidence of peptic ulcers decreased and an increasing proportion was related to NSAID. Mortality is high.

Changing trends in peptic ulcer prevalence in a tertiary care setting in the Philippines: a seven-year study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The declining global prevalence of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) might be because of the decreasing prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection. The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence of PUD during a 7-year period and to investigate its relationship with the prevalence of Hp infection during the same period.

METHODS

All upper gastrointestinal endoscopies carried out at Santo Tomas Hospital in Manila from January 1996 to December 2002 were evaluated. Endoscopies reporting gastric ulcers (GU) and duodenal ulcers (DU) with Hp status were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 15 341 endoscopies were evaluated. Overall, 2600 (16.95%) GU and 1575 (10.27%) DU were identified. There was a decreasing trend in the prevalence of GU (P < 0.0001) and DU (P < 0.0001) during the study period. Overall PUD prevalence declined from 35.87% in 1996 to 18.80% in 2002. This decline was seen for both GU and DU (20.05 vs 14.34%, and 15.83 vs 7.02%, respectively). The prevalence of Hp infection decreased significantly from 1996 to 2002 for both GU and DU (68.13 vs 33.48%, P < 0.0001; and 76.67 vs 36.50%, P < 0.0001, respectively). The decrease in Hp prevalence was significantly related to the decrease in ulcer prevalence (r = 0.97, P = 0.0004 for GU; r = 0.89, P = 0.0079 for DU; and r = 0.92, P = 0.0035 for all PUD). The prevalence of bleeding secondary to PUD remained stable during the 7-year period (P = 0.87).

CONCLUSIONS

During the 7-year period, there was a significant decline in the prevalence of PUD. This decline in PUD prevalence was associated with a corresponding decrease in Hp prevalence.

Clinical trends in ulcer diagnosis in a population with high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND

It is unknown whether the incidence of peptic ulcer changes in areas with a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection.

AIM

To determine trends in peptic ulcer complications in a community with a high prevalence of H. pylori infection.

METHODS

New endoscopic diagnoses of peptic ulcers and their complications from 1985 to 2000 were obtained. H. pylori infection in the adult population, the number of prescriptions for anti-secretory drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Although the global prevalence of H. pylori infection remains high in this population (>60%), a 41.4 to 25.4% decrease in the incidence of peptic ulcers and ulcer complications was observed. This was associated with a decrease in the prevalence of H. pylori infection in people under 65 years of age, a 3.5-fold increase in the number of prescriptions of proton-pump inhibitors and an increase in the number of prescriptions of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, especially coxibs.

CONCLUSIONS

In an area with a high prevalence of H. pylori infection, the incidence of peptic ulcer and associated complications is declining rapidly. This was associated with a reduction of the prevalence of H. pylori infection in the young and a widespread use of proton-pump inhibitors. The increase in the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, especially coxibs, has not changed the tendency.

Diagnostic approach to dyspepsia

The optimal diagnostic approach to the dyspeptic patient in primary care is still debated. Early endoscopy continues to be the diagnostic gold standard but competing non-invasive strategies challenge this. The most important approaches are empiric antisecretory treatment reserving endoscopy for unresponsive patients and patients with an early symptomatic relapse and helicobacter-based strategies reserving endoscopy for infected patients (test-and-scope) or for failures after eradication therapy (test-and-treat). Early endoscopy is recommended in patients with alarm features and should be considered in patients with new onset dyspepsia after age 50. In the remaining patients, early investigation can only be recommended in areas providing endoscopy at a low cost and with a short waiting list. The test-and-scope strategy may lead to a rise in the referral rates for endoscopy and cannot be recommended. The test-and-treat strategy is well documented in clinical trials as a safe and cost-effective approach. Helicobacter-based strategies are challenged by a decreasing prevalence of peptic ulcer disease and of the infection. In the near future, the empirical acid inhibition strategy will probably be cost-effective as gastro-oesophageal reflux becomes the predominant disorder in dyspeptic patients.