Risk factors for peptic ulcer recurrence

UNLABELLED: Prevalence of peptic ulcer (PU) and risk factors associated with its recurrence are unknown among the Mexican population. OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical features and risk factors associated with peptic ulcer recurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five-year follow-up study that included 211 men and 140 women 20 years age or older. PU diagnosis was made by clinical and endoscopic criteria. Associated risk factors such as NSAIDs use, smoking, alcohol consumption, and H. pylori infection were assessed. Clinical recurrence was defined as the time between basal diagnosis and the first PU clinical drop. RESULTS: Diagnosis of duodenal ulcer (DU) and gastric ulcer (GU) was documented in 41.9 and 58.1% of subjects. Predominant risk factor for DU was smoking, and NSAID intake for GU. H. pylori were documented in 39.3%. Sixty-five years of age or older (61 and 33% for GU and DU, respectively), and three or more associated risk factors (70%) were the main associated causes for PU recurrence. PU recurrence associated with Hp was 34%. CONCLUSIONS: GU frequency was the highest and associated risk factors for its recurrence were NSAID intake, 65 years of age or older, and Hp infection.