The Evaluation Of Pulp Score (PEPTIC Ulcer Perforation Score) As A Predictor Of Mortality Following Peptic Ulcer Perforation.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Mortality and morbidity following perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) remains high, and mortality proportions of 25–30% have been reported in population–based studies.The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of PULP SCORE in predicting 30 day mortality. Patients and methods: A series of 52 patients were enrolled in the study.Patients who underwent surgical treatment for perforated peptic ulcer were allotted points according to the PULP scoring system and stratified into high and low risk groups. All the data was prospectively analyzed. Observations and results:46 patients were in low risk and 6 patients were in high risk category. 5 patients were deceased in high risk group but none in low risk group. The PULP SCORE had a sensitivity of 83.33% and specificity of 97.83% in predicting mortality. In the ROC curve the AUC was 91.8%. 4 variables out of 8 variables in the score were found to be most important in predicting mortality. They were 1. Treatment delay >24 hrs, 2. Shock on admission, 3. High ASA score, 4. Age >65 years. Conclusion:The prognostic predictors included in the PULP score can be readily identified prior to surgery, easy to use and feasible in emergency. The PULP score can assist in accurate and early identification of high–risk patients, and thus assist in risk stratification and triage of patients.