Seasonal periodicity of perforated peptic ulcers

The aim of the study was to evaluate if the frequency of peptic ulcer perforation depends on the changes of seasons. The investigation was carried out in mountain region of Nowosadecki District. This complication of peptic ulcer disease appeared with constant time trend in the years 1991-95. Considering the whole five year period, the increasing number of new cases was observed on the turn of spring and summer (May, June, July) and in early autumn (September, October). Another pattern of seasonal periodicity is often observed in different regions of the world. Because of that, it may be assumed that not changes of seasons but different environmental factors (also weather changes) may influence the frequency of peptic ulcer perforation.