The prevalence of peptic ulcer in an institution for the mentally retarded

Peptic ulcer was studied at a California institution for the mentally retarded. Of the 1,700 residents at risk, ninety-one were to have X-ray or endoscopy evidence of peptic ulcers, a prevalence rate of 5.4 percent. Ulcer prevalence in the duodenum was more than twice that in the stomach and oesophagus. All oesophageal, gastric, and duodenal erosions or ulcer craters, acute or chronic, were considered. The more severely retarded patients showed a higher ulcer prevalence than those less retarded, and males demonstrate higher rates than females. The presence of medical and neurological disabilities, including limitations of vision and communication, was positively associated with ulcer development. The results indicate a need for further study on aetiology of peptic ulcers in the retarded.