Inflammation, immunity, and gastric ulcer - clinical insights from routine haematology

Gastric ulcer remains a common cause of morbidity, yet marked clinical variability suggests contributors beyond established risk factors such as Helicobacter pylori, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug exposure, and excess gastric acid. To clarify the role of systemic inflammation, Shen et al evaluated six complete blood count (CBC)-derived inflammatory indices in patients with gastric ulcer. All indices showed significant associations, with the systemic inflammatory response index demonstrating the strongest discriminatory value. Given that CBC testing is routine, inexpensive, and widely accessible, these indices may offer practical adjunctive markers for identifying individuals at increased risk. However, the cross-sectional design and lack of adjustment for major confounders limit causal interpretation. Prospective validation is required to determine whether these indices predict ulcer development, recurrence, or clinical outcomes, and to assess their potential integration with established risk factors.