Clinical and endoscopic features of peptic ulcer bleeding in Malaysia

The characteristics of patients and the endoscopic features of 196 patients with bleeding peptic ulcer in a multi-ethnic population were investigated. There was a male preponderance (M: F= 6.3: 1) and their mean age was 63.5 years. The prevalence of peptic ulcer bleeding in the Malays and Indians was similar to the ethnic distribution of population. However, the Chinese were over represented. Nearly 40% of patients studied had at least one co-existing medical illness. Hypertension and ischaemic heart disease were the most common diseases. History of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug usage was identified in 48% of the patients and it was the commonest risk factor associated with bleeding ulcers. More than 80% of bleeding ulcers were located in the duodenum and the pylorus. Endoscopic features of active bleeding or recent bleed were identified in more than 60% of the patients. The study notes that bleeding peptic ulcer is a serious and a potentially life threatening condition. It is a disease of the elderly and, with the steadily increasing elderly population in the country, the admissions rates of peptic ulcer bleeding is expected to rise. There is a need to plan for appropriate technical support, critical care facilities and expertise to avoid unacceptable outcomes.