Evolution Med Dent Sci, cilt.10, sa.31, ss.6808-6812, 2021 (ESCI)
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have reported seasonal variations in peptic ulcer disease (PUD), but
only few large-scale, population-based studies have been conducted in this regard. In
this study, we wanted to present the seasonal relationship of peptic ulcer perforation
admissions, seasonal variation of its incidence, modes of surgical management, the
seasonal distribution of postoperative severe complications and the patient outcome.
METHODS
This is a retrospective cohort study. Patients hospitalized for peptic ulcer perforation
between 1st January 2008 and 1st January 2020 were included in the study. The
patients were divided into two groups according to postoperative complication
status as Group1 - Clavien Dindo < 3 and Group 2 - Clavien Dindo > 3. Age, gender and
seasonal periods were compared. In addition, patients were divided into three groups
according to age as 18 – 40 yrs., 40 - 60 yrs. and over 60 yrs. The gender and
complication status of the patients were also evaluated in seasonal groups.
RESULTS
135 patients participated in our study. Group 1 constituted of 107 patients and Group
2 constituted of 28 patients. Admission to the hospital due to peptic ulcer perforation
was most common in spring (29.6 %) and summer (29.6 %). Twenty - eight patients
had Clavien - Dindo 3 or more complications. The mean age was higher in Group 2
(70.78 vs 50.2 P : 0.001) as well as female gender dominancy (60.7 % vs 29.9 %). In
Group 2 winter months were more frequent (46,5 % vs 21.5 %); however, there was
no significant difference between the seasons and the complication groups. In Group
2, female gender was more common in winter (21.7 % vs 69.2 % P:0.005) and autumn
season (31.3 % vs 100 % P : 0.027).
CONCLUSIONS
In our study, we found an increased incidence of peptic ulcer perforation in spring
and summer. For patients at higher risk, an appropriate pharmacological treatment
can be arranged to reduce the risk of perforation during the risky season.
KEY WORDS
Peptic Ulcer Disease, Seasonal Change, Complication