Duodenal ulceration in Indians and Blacks in Durban

Duodenal ulceration among Black and Indian patients admitted to King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, over a 26-year period (1950-1976) was studied. Analysis was made over a series of time intervals within this period, and expressed as the number of admissions for duodenal ulcer per 1,000 total admissions (excluding obstetric and gynaecological patients). Admissions for duodenal ulceration increased 2,4-fold among the Indians and 11,9-fold among the Blacks from 1950 to 1976. The disease appears to have become commoner among women in both race groups. The peak age for Indian men is the 3rd decade, but for Indian women the peak age incidence has changed from the 4th to the 6th decade. There is now a peak in the 3rd decade for Black men, compared with the 4th decade, as reported 20 years ago. The pattern is similar in Black women. The clinical presentation is similar in the two groups, although it is significant that haemorrhage occurs more frequently among the Black patients.