Peptic ulcer in Iranian children.

Thirty cases of peptic ulcer were presented, all of which were diagnosed in accordance with strict radiological criteria. Upper abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom. Hemorrhage occurred in 36.6% of the cases, and 16.6% suffered from melena and hematemesis requiring transfusions on admission. The only fatal case was due to perforation of a duodenal ulcer. Almost all of the children came from lower income groups and were inhabitants of Tehran or the suburbs. The incidence of peptic ulcer in Iranian children is 15.1 per ten thousand with 60% of the cases occurring in females. This suggests that peptic ulcer may be more common in Iran when compared to Europe or the United States and taht more cases occur in female children in Iran.