ABSTRACT
Objective: To compare the frequency of patients presenting with perforated duodenal ulcer during holy month of Ramadan with those presenting during the rest of the year. To assess the risk factors such as smoking, non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs usage and a history of acid peptic disease. To assess the age groups and gender of patients. Study Design: It was a descriptive study. Period: Three years from Jan 2001 to Dec 2003
Setting: Surgical units of Holy Family and Rawalpindi General Hospitals
Materials and Methods: A total of 133 patients presenting during this three years period were managed surgically after resuscitation in the emergency rooms of both the hospitals. History findings were recorded on a specially designed proforma for this study
Results: 36% of all the patients presented during the holy month of Ramadan alone as compared to 64% during the rest of the year. 46% of all the patients were smokers, whereas 64% of the patients had a previous history of acid peptic disease. 54% of the patients were in the 20 to 40 years age group and the male to female ratio was 5:1
Conclusions: This study clearly showed the increased frequency of perforated duodenal ulcers during the holy month of Ramadan and stresses on the need of precautions specially for smokers, non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs users and patients with the history of acid peptic disease during this month