Peptic Ulcer Disease

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Defects in the stomach and/or duodenal mucosa lead to inflammation and erosion of the underlying tissue by gastric acid and pepsin.

Description

  • Mucosal breaks extending into the submucosa or muscularis propria located in the stomach or duodenum
  • Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is an endoscopic diagnosis versus dyspepsia which is a clinical diagnosis.
  • Helicobacter pylori and aspirin/NSAIDs use are the leading causes of PUD.
  • NSAIDs use plus H. pylori infection increases the risk of PUD by 60-fold.
  • Multiple ulcers/ulcers distal to the second portion of duodenum and/or jejunum raise the possibility of gastrinoma (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome [ZES]).
  • Idiopathic ulcers account for 20% of PUD (1).

Epidemiology

Incidence

United States: incidence approximately 500,000 cases/year (2)

Prevalence

  • Highest prevalence in South Asia
  • Low-/middle-income countries have higher prevalence of H. pylori infections and PUD (1).

Risk Factors

  • H. pylori infection
  • Long-term NSAIDs use
  • Other medications: corticosteroids, bisphosphonates, potassium chloride, clopidogrel, sirolimus, chemotherapeutic agents, SSRIs
  • Hypersecretion syndromes: gastrinoma (ZES), systemic mastocytosis, cystic fibrosis, hyperparathyroidism, carcinoid syndrome, antral G-cell hyperplasia
  • Tobacco, alcohol, stress, radiation therapy, obesity

General Prevention

  • Limit NSAIDs, aspirin, alcohol, tobacco, caffeine.
  • If NSAIDs are necessary, use the lowest possible dose with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or misoprostol. Test for and eradicate H. pylori.
  • Treat with PPIs or H2 blockers for patients at risk for complications and recurrence.
  • Strong association between obesity and PUD; counsel patients on weight loss.

Commonly Associated Conditions

Gastrinoma (ZES); multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1); carcinoid syndrome

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