Pattern of duodenal ulcer in Karachi

Seven hundred and twenty cases of endoscopically proven peptic ulcer were seen at PMRC Research Centre, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, during the last 13 years (June 1976-June 1989). Duodenal to gastric ulcer ratio was 5:1. Duodenal ulcer was predominantly seen between 3rd and 5th decade of life, with a male to female ratio of 5. 7:1. Seventy five percent cases were skilled persons. Places of origin showed 50% to be migrants; mostly from India while the rest belonged to various provinces of Pakistan. Sixty percent patients were smokers/tobacco chewers and 3% were simultaneously taking alcohol. History of NSAID intake was present in 5% cases only. Majority (85%) of the patients presented with pain, 42% had upper G.I. bleeding, 11% perforation and 1% pyloric stenosis.