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Current peptic ulcer time trends. An epidemiological profile
1Center for Ulcer Research and Education, VA Wadsworth Medical Center, San Bernardino, California.
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Peptic ulcer disease is not vanishing. While uncomplicated duodenal ulcers decrease, complicated cases and gastric ulcers are increasing, with death rates remaining stable due to coding changes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Speculation exists regarding peptic ulcer disease as a vanishing condition.
- Understanding current trends in peptic ulcer disease is crucial for public health planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine time trends in peptic ulcer disease hospitalizations and mortality.
- To assess changes in duodenal and gastric ulcer incidence and outcomes between 1970 and 1985.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of national data from the National Center for Health Statistics and the Commission on Professional and Hospital Activities.
- Examination of hospitalization and mortality data for peptic ulcers from 1970 to 1985.
Main Results:
- Hospitalizations for uncomplicated duodenal ulcers declined, but complicated cases remained constant.
- Hospitalizations for gastric ulcers, particularly those with hemorrhage, showed an increase.
- Peptic ulcer death rates remained stable, with a noted increase in site-unspecified cases attributed to ICD-9 coding changes.
Conclusions:
- Peptic ulcer disease trends are complex, with varying patterns for duodenal and gastric ulcers.
- Complicated peptic ulcers and gastric ulcers represent ongoing health concerns.
- Changes in disease classification systems can significantly impact reported epidemiological trends.