Risk Factors that Affect Morbidity and Mortality in Patients with Perforated Peptic Ulcer Diseases in a Teaching Hospital.

BACKGROUND

This study was done to identify risk factors that affect the morbidity and mortality of patients operated for a perforated peptic ulcer in a resource-limited setting.

METHODS

A two years (January 1, 2016 -December 30, 2018) retrospective cross-sectional study was done on patients admitted and operated for PPU at Yekatit 12 Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

RESULTS

A total of 93 patients were operated. The median age affected was 29 years (Range 15-75 years). Male to female ratio was 7.5:1. Chewing chat, smoking and alcohol use were seen in 22 (23.6%), 35(37.6%), and 34(36.5%), cases respectively. Only 23.6% gave previous history of dyspepsia. The median duration of illness was 48hours and the duodenal to gastric ulcer perforation ratio was 6.5:1. In majority of the cases (63.3%) the perforation diameter was =10mm (63.3%). Cellan-Jones repair of the perforations was done in 92.5% of cases. A total of 47 complications were seen in 25 cases. The total complications and mortality rates were 25(26.8%) and 6(6.5%) respectively. The most common postoperative complication was pneumonia (13.97%) followed by superficial surgical site infection (10.8%). Mortality rate was highest among patients >50yrs [AOR (95%CI) =2.4(230)]. Delayed presentation of >24 hours [AOR (95%CI) =4.3(1.4-13.5)] and a SBP =90mmhg [AOR (95%CI) =4.8(1-24)] were found to be significantly related with higher complication rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who presented early and immediate corrective measures were instituted had better outcomes while those seen late developed unfavorable out-come with significantly higher complications. Therefore, early detection and treatment of PPU is essential.