Helicobacter pylori status and endoscopy follow-up of patients having a history of perforated duodenal ulcer.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine whether the recurrence of symptoms or ulcer disease in patients with a history of perforated duodenal ulcer is related to Helicobacter pylori infection.

METHODS

One hundred sixty-three consecutive patients with history of perforated duodenal ulcer unrelated to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs underwent upper endoscopy. Any recurrent symptoms or complications were documented. Regardless of the endoscopic findings, three antral biopsy specimens were taken for histologic examination and a rapid urease test.

RESULTS

There was a preponderance of men (male/female = 5.3:1). The mean age was 55.9 years. Sixty-seven (41.1%) patients gave a history of recurrent epigastric pain, seven of whom also had a history of bleeding ulcer. Upper endoscopy was performed at a mean of 74.5 +/- 7.1 months after operation. Positive endoscopic findings were noted in 68 (41.7%) patients; H. pylori was found in the biopsy specimens from 77 (47.2%) patients. Recurrent duodenal ulcer was found in 29 (17.8%) patients and was significantly related to male gender, recurrent epigastric pain, bleeding ulcer, longer interval from previous operation, and positive H. pylori status. Positive H. pylori status and male gender were independent factors associated with recurrent duodenal ulcer.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent ulcer disease in patients with a history of perforated duodenal ulcer is related to H. pylori infection.