Population-attributable fraction of psychiatric and physical disorders for suicide among older adults in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to estimate the population-attributable fraction (PAF) of psychiatric and physical disorders for suicide among older adults, focusing on sex- and age-specific factors. METHODS: Data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Data and National Death Registry included 9136 cases of suicide in individuals aged 65+, with 89,439 matched controls. Physical and psychiatric disorders were identified through diagnostic records. Conditional logistic regression assessed risk factors, and PAF was calculated using disorder prevalence and adjusted odds ratios. RESULTS: Major suicide risk factors among older adults were depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and sleep disorders. Physical disorders like hypertension, peptic ulcers, and cancer also showed significant PAF values. The combined PAF of physical disorders equaled that of psychiatric disorders. Psychiatric disorders had a greater impact on women and the youngest-old adults, while physical disorders had a higher contribution among men, middle-old adults, and oldest-old adults. LIMITATIONS: Relying solely on claim data to identify psychiatric and physical disorders may underestimate their prevalence and associations with suicide due to unrecorded cases of individuals not seeking help and the absence of key risk factors like social isolation and family support. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies preventable or treatable risk factors for older adult suicide, emphasizing the need to target specific psychiatric and physical disorders in suicide prevention efforts while taking into account sex- and age-specific considerations. It also underscores the importance of establishing social welfare support systems to address the unique challenges older adults face.

Detection of Helicobacter pylori strain types and analysis of risk factors among subjects from Hainan Province, China.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the prevalence of type I and type II Helicobacter pylori infection and investigate risk factors in a population from Hainan Province in China. METHODS: Data came from a large, cross-sectional study conducted from August 2022 to April 2023 involving five cities of Hainan. Subjects with confirmed 14C-urea breath test (UBT) and positive serological assay were included. All subjects had a gastroscopy. According to presence or absence of CagA/VacA proteins, subjects were classified as either type I (present) or type II strains (absent). Gastroscopic findings and several socio-demographic factors were examined for correlation with antibody serotyping. RESULTS: In total, 410 subjects were investigated for H. pylori strain types. The overall prevalence of the highly virulent, type I H. pylori strain was 79% (324/410) and type II strain was 21% (86/410). There was a strong association between type I strain and peptic ulcer disease. Of several sociodemographic factors investigated, only smoking and data over baseline (DOB) values showed significant differences between type 1 and type II strains. Logistic regression analysis showed a lower risk of type I H. pylori infection in smokers compared with non-smokers, and a higher risk of H. pylori type I infection in subjects with medium and high data over baseline (DOB) values compared with subjects who had low DOB values. CONCLUSION: Highly virulent, type I H. pylori infections predominate in Hainan and the co-positivity of CagA and VacA antibodies are related to type I H. pylori infection. We found that Type I H. pylori was closely associated with peptic ulcer disease and the DOB values were generally high.

Prevalence and factors associated with inappropriate continuation of stress ulcer prophylaxis at discharge.

Stress ulcer prophylaxis is started in the critical care unit to decrease the risk of upper gastrointestinal ulcers in critically ill persons and to decrease mortality caused by stress ulcer complications. Unfortunately, the drugs are often continued after recovery through discharge, paving the way for unnecessary polypharmacy. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study including patients admitted to the adult critical care unit and started on the stress ulcer prophylaxis with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or histamine receptor 2 blocker (H2 blocker) with an aim to determine the prevalence of inappropriate continuation at discharge and associated factors. RESULT: 3200 people were initiated on stress ulcer prophylaxis, and the medication was continued in 1666 patients upon discharge. Indication for long-term use was not found in 744 of 1666, with a 44% prevalence of inappropriate continuation. A statistically significant association was found with the following risk factors: discharge disposition (home vs other medical facilities, p=0.002), overall length of stay (more than 10 days vs less than or equal to 10 days, p<0.0001), mechanical ventilator use (p<0.001), number of days on a mechanical ventilator (more than 2 days vs less than or equal to 2 days, p<0.001) and class of stress ulcer prophylaxis drug used (H2 blocker vs PPI, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of inappropriate continuation was found to be higher than prior studies. Given the risk of unnecessary medication intake and the associated healthcare cost, a web-based quality improvement initiative is being considered.

Causal relationships of Helicobacter pylori and related gastrointestinal diseases on Type 2 diabetes: Univariable and Multivariable Mendelian randomization.

BACKGROUND: Previous observational studies have demonstrated a connection between the risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and gastrointestinal problems brought on by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. However, little is understood about how these factors impact on T2DM. METHOD: This study used data from the GWAS database on H. pylori antibodies, gastroduodenal ulcers, chronic gastritis, gastric cancer, T2DM and information on potential mediators: obesity, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood glucose levels. Using univariate Mendelian randomization (MR) and multivariate MR (MVMR) analyses to evaluate the relationship between H. pylori and associated gastrointestinal diseases with the risk of developing of T2DM and explore the presence of mediators to ascertain the probable mechanisms. RESULTS: Genetic evidence suggests that H. pylori IgG antibody (P = 0.006, b = 0.0945, OR = 1.0995, 95% CI = 1.023-1.176), H. pylori GroEL antibody (P = 0.028, OR = 1.033, 95% CI = 1.004-1.064), gastroduodenal ulcers (P = 0.019, OR = 1.036, 95% CI = 1.006-1.068) and chronic gastritis (P = 0.005, OR = 1.042, 95% CI = 1.012-1.074) are all linked to an increased risk of T2DM, additionally, H. pylori IgG antibody is associated with obesity (P = 0.034, OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.002-1.055). The results of MVMR showed that the pathogenic relationship between H. pylori GroEL antibody and gastroduodenal ulcer in T2DM is mediated by blood glucose level and obesity, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study found that H. pylori IgG antibody, H. pylori GroEL antibody, gastroduodenal ulcer and chronic gastritis are all related to t T2DM, and blood glucose level and obesity mediate the development of H. pylori GroEL antibody and gastroduodenal ulcer on T2DM, respectively. These findings may inform new prevention and intervention strategies for T2DM.

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among schoolchildren in southern Taiwan-A 20-year longitudinal follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection is primarily acquired in childhood and can lead to peptic ulcer diseases and gastric cancer. The prevalence of H. pylori infection varies widely in different countries. The aim of this study was to explore the change of pediatric H. pylori seroprevalence in the past two decades and to investigate the risk factors for pediatric H. pylori seropositivity in southern Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study enrolled children aged 7-12 years in Tainan City in 2018 and compared the result with our previous data in 1998, 2005, and 2010. Parents of the participants were invited to fill out questionnaires, including information of personal history, family history of peptic ulcer diseases, annual household income, and source of drinking water. Blood samples were analyzed for anti-H. pylori IgG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: A total of 391, 629, 618, and 488 elementary school students in Tainan City were enrolled in 1998, 2005, 2010, and 2018, respectively. There was a significant decline in H. pylori seroprevalence from 9.2% in 1998, 7.8% in 2005, 6.2% in 2010 to 4.7% in 2018 (p < 0.001). Neither gender difference nor age difference was found in H. pylori seropositivity in each year of enrollment. Low household income was significantly associated with pediatric H. pylori seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence of H. pylori infection among elementary schoolchildren has remarkably declined in southern Taiwan in the past two decades. Low household income was a risk factor for pediatric H. pylori seropositivity.

Early Marginal Ulcer After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: MBSAQIP Database Analysis of Trends and Predictive Factors.

PURPOSE: Marginal ulcer (MU) is a known complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) that carries significant morbidity. First, we aimed to determine the trends and the rates of readmission, reintervention, and reoperation of 30-day MU. Second, we aim to determine the predictive factors associated with this complication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who had 30-day marginal ulcer (MU) after LRYGB were identified using the 2015-2021 MBSAQIP database. Those who had a 30-day complication other than MU were excluded. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Among 213,104 patients undergoing laparoscopic RYGB, 638 (0.3%) showed 30-day MU. This group of patients required endoscopic interventions, readmissions, and reoperations at rates of 88%, 72%, and 9%, respectively. Predictive factors for 30-day MU after RYGB were renal insufficiency, history of DVT, previous cardiac stent, African American race, chronic steroid use, COPD, therapeutic anticoagulation, anastomotic leak test, GERD, and operative time > 120 min. Additionally, patients who had 30-day MU showed significantly higher rates of overall complications such as pulmonary, cardiac and renal complications, unplanned ICU admission, blood transfusions, venous thromboembolism (VTE), and non-home discharge (p < 0.05). The MU group showed similar rates of 30-day mortality as those without this complication (0.2% vs 0.1%, p = 0.587). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of 30-day MU following RYGB was 0.3%. Patients with MU required endoscopic interventions, readmissions, and reoperations at rates of 88%, 72%, and 9%, respectively. Some preoperative and intraoperative factors contributed to an increased risk of 30-day MU.

The incidence and risk factors of marginal ulcers in the short and medium term in symptomatic post-pancreaticoduodenectomy patients ---- single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Marginal ulcer (MU) is one of the postoperative complications of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), which needs particular attention in postoperative treatments. METHODS: The data of 190 patients who underwent PD and follow-up gastroscopic review due to upper GI symptoms within two years were retrospectively analyzed. The incidence of MU and risk factors were analyzed based on personal history, surgical procedure, past medical history, postoperative complications, and other relevant indicators. RESULTS: The proportion of MU in patients who underwent endoscopic follow-up for upper gastrointestinal symptoms in the postoperative period in this cohort was 10.5% (20/190). Advanced age (69y vs. 59y, P â€‹= â€‹0.012), alcohol consumption (20% vs. 8.2%, P â€‹= â€‹0.03), and cigarette smoking (35% vs. 14.7%, P â€‹= â€‹0.022) were associated with an increased incidence of MU. Longer surgery time (276.5min vs. 240min, P â€‹= â€‹0.049), postoperative bleeding (10% vs. 1.8%, P â€‹= â€‹0.030), and failure to take antacid regularly postoperatively (75% vs. 97.1%, P â€‹= â€‹0.000) would increase the risk of MU; taking antacid regularly was an independent protective factor for postoperative anastomotic ulceration (OR: 0.091, CI: 0.022-0.383, P â€‹= â€‹0.001). CONCLUSION: Advanced age, alcohol consumption, smoking, longer operation time, or postoperative extraluminal hemorrhage are associated with MU. Regular use of antacids is an independent protective factor against the development of MU.

Cholinesterase inhibitors and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the risk of peptic ulcers: A self-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be used with caution in adults aged 65 years and older. Their gastrointestinal adverse event risk might be further reinforced when using concomitant cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs). We aimed to investigate the association between NSAIDs and ChEI use and the risk of peptic ulcers in adults aged 65 years and older. METHODS: Register-based self-controlled case series study including adults ≥65 years with a new prescription of ChEIs and NSAIDs, diagnosed with incident peptic ulcer in Sweden, 2007-2020. We identified persons from the Total Population Register individually linked to several nationwide registers. We estimated the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of peptic ulcer with a conditional Poisson regression model for four mutually exclusive risk periods: use of ChEIs, NSAIDs, and the combination of ChEIs and NSAIDs, compared with the non-treatment in the same individual. Risk periods were identified based on the prescribed daily dose, extracted via a text-parsing algorithm, and a 30-day grace period. RESULTS: Of 70,060 individuals initiating both ChEIs and NSAIDs, we identified 1500 persons with peptic ulcer (median age at peptic ulcer 80 years), of whom 58% were females. Compared with the non-treatment periods, the risk of peptic ulcer substantially increased for the combination of ChEIs and NSAIDs (IRR: 9.0, [6.8-11.8]), more than for NSAIDs alone (5.2, [4.4-6.0]). No increased risks were found for the use of ChEIs alone (1.0, [0.9-1.2]). DISCUSSION: We found that the risk of peptic ulcer associated with the concomitant use of NSAIDs and ChEIs was over and beyond the risk associated with NSAIDs alone. Our results underscore the importance of carefully considering the risk of peptic ulcers when co-prescribing NSAIDs and ChEIs to adults aged 65 years and older.

Changing trends and characteristics of peptic ulcer disease: A multicenter study from 2010 to 2019 in Korea.

BACKGROUND: The clinical trend and characteristics of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) have not fully been investigated in the past decade. AIM: To evaluate the changing trends and characteristics of PUD according to age and etiology. METHODS: We analyzed seven hospital databases converted into the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership-Common Data Model between 2010 and 2019. We classified patients with PUD who underwent rapid urease tests or Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) serology into three groups: H. pylori-related, drug [nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin]-related, and idiopathic (H. pylori/NSAID/aspirin-negative) PUD and compared the yearly trends and characteristics among the three groups. RESULTS: We included 26785 patients in 7 databases, and the proportion of old age (≥ 65 years) was 38.8%. The overall number of PUD exhibited no decrease, whereas PUD in old age revealed an increasing trend (P = 0.01 for trend). Of the 19601 patients, 41.8% had H. pylori-related, 36.1% had drug-related, and 22.1% had idiopathic PUD. H. pylori-related PUD exhibited a decreasing trend after 2014 (P = 0.01), drug-related PUD demonstrated an increasing trend (P = 0.04), and idiopathic PUD showed an increasing trend in the old-age group (P = 0.01) during 10 years. Patients with drug-related PUD had significantly more comorbidities and concomitant ulcerogenic drugs. The idiopathic PUD group had a significantly higher number of patients with chronic liver disease. CONCLUSION: With the aging population increase, the effects of concomitant ulcerogenic drugs and preventive strategies should be investigated in drug-induced PUD. Further studies are required to clarify the relationship between idiopathic PUD and chronic liver disease.

Depression during the COVID-19 pandemic among older Canadians with peptic ulcer disease: Analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures have exacerbated many known risk factors for depression that may be particularly concerning for individuals with chronic health conditions, such as peptic ulcer disease (PUD). In a large longitudinal sample of older adults with PUD, the current study examined the incidence of depression during the pandemic among those without a pre-pandemic history of depression (n = 689) and the recurrence of depression among those with a history of depression (n = 451). Data came from four waves of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with incident and recurrent depression. Among older adults with PUD and without a history of depression, approximately 1 in 8 (13.0%) developed depression for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those with a history of depression, approximately 1 in 2 (46.6%) experienced depression during the pandemic. The risk of incident depression and recurrent depression was higher among those who were lonely, those with functional limitations, and those who experienced an increase in family conflict during the pandemic. The risk of incident depression only was higher among women, individuals whose income did not satisfy their basic needs, those who were themselves ill and/or those whose loved ones were ill or died during the pandemic, and those who had disruptions to healthcare access during the pandemic. The risk of recurrent depression only was higher among those with chronic pain and those who had difficulty accessing medication during the pandemic. Implications for interventions are discussed.

A Review of Helicobacter pylori Diagnostics in Africa : From the Bedside to the Laboratory.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is endemic in Africa with a prevalence estimate of 79.1%. In addition, there is a significant community burden of dyspepsia in Africa, similar to other western countries. However, the majority of infected persons do not manifest the disease. In Africa, for instance, peptic ulcer disease is prevalent, whereas gastric cancer has reportedly low incidence. Therefore, it is important that testing is focused, targeting individuals most likely to benefit from treatment. In Africa, there are currently no guidelines for H. pylori testing and treatment. Empirical treatment is common due to variable access to diagnostics and health care. To assess the spectrum of H. pylori testing in Africa, we performed a literature search in PubMed over the past 10 years, 2013 to 2023. Histology was the most widely used modality in 16 out of 18 countries. Capacity for culture was shown in 11 studies, importantly across regions of Africa. H. pylori serology was demonstrated in 8 countries, although it has limited sensitivity in identifying active infection. H. pylori test-and-treat strategy has been shown to be cost-effective. Particularly in a region with high antibiotic resistance, adopting this strategy ensures that only confirmed positive patients are treated. Furthermore, test-of-cure ought to be mandatory to guide future therapies. Health authorities can leverage polymerase chain reaction facilities, left behind by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, to make molecular susceptibility testing available in the near future. A systematic approach to testing incorporating indication for endoscopy and medication use is recommended.

Marginal Ulcers Following One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Marginal ulcer (MU) is an uncommon but significant complication following one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB). Our study aims to understand the incidence rates, risk factors, and management of MU following OAGB. METHODS: MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were examined to identify all studies on OAGB where authors had reported on MU. Data were collected on basic demographics, incidence rates, risk factors, and management of this condition. RESULTS: Thirty-two studies involving 8868 patients were analysed. The mean age and body mass index (BMI) of patients in these studies were 40.9 ± 4.5 years and 47.6 ± 5.6 kg/m2, respectively. Among the patient cohort, approximately 72% were female, and 20.6% had preoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The authors described prescribing proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) prophylaxis to 14.1% of patients after surgery. Two hundred twenty-eight patients were reported to have MU. The incidence of MU was 2.59% (95% CI 1.89-3.52), of which 53 patients presented within 12 months, 24 patients presented after 31 months, and five patients after 6 years. One hundred forty-six patients did not have presentation time documented. Sixty-five patients were described to have MU diagnosed on endoscopy, of which 54 were symptomatic and 11 were asymptomatic. The authors were, however, not specific on the choice of investigation for the remaining 163 patients. Of patients, 89.7% were treated conservatively with PPIs, whilst 10.3% had surgery to treat MU. CONCLUSIONS: Marginal ulcer is an uncommon complication following OAGB. The majority of patients are treated conservatively with PPIs. Larger, well-designed studies reporting on risk factors, investigation, and management of MU following OAGB are warranted.

The effect of Ramadan and intermittent fasting on the development of Helicobacter pylori-induced peptic ulcers.

A considerable portion of the world's population practices fasting, for religious purposes like Ramadan or to adopt a healthier lifestyle such as intermittent fasting. During this period, individuals undergo metabolic changes that alter their internal environment. The literature was analysed to identify a possible relationship between fasting and the development of Helicobacter pylori-induced peptic ulcers. This found that fasting does not affect the incidence of peptic ulcers, and studies that saw an increase in the incidence were not significant. However, remodelling of the gastric environment and increases in concentrations of H. pylori were recorded. There is no relationship between fasting and the risk of developing H. pylori-induced peptic ulcers, suggesting that individuals with uncomplicated ulcers are not at risk of developing further ulcers and can participate in fasts provided they take the recommended measures.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori genotypes: cagA, vacA (m1), vacA (s1), babA2, dupA, iceA1, oipA and their association with gastrointestinal diseases. A cross-sectional study in Quito-Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: The most prevalent stomach infection in the world is caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Several pathogenicity genes, including cagA, vacA, babA2, dupA, iceA, and oipA, are associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal disease such as peptic ulcer and stomach cancer. This research aims to determine the prevalence of different H. pylori genotypes and correlate their risk in the development of gastrointestinal diseases in the Ecuadorian population. METHODS: A cross-sectional research of 225 patients at the Calderón Hospital in Quito, Ecuador, was conducted. End point PCRs were run to determine the presence of 16S rRNA, cagA, vacA (m1), vacA (s1), babA2, dupA, iceA1, and oipA virulence genes. Chi-square test, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were utilized for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: H. pylori infection was present in 62.7% of people. Peptic ulcers were seen in 22.2% and malignant lesions in 3.6% of patients. Genes oipA (93.6%), vacA (s1) (70.9%), and babA2 (70.2%) were the most prevalent. cagA/vacA (s1m1) and cagA/oipA (s1m1) combinations were found in 31.2% and 22.7% of the cases, respectively. Acute inflammation has a significant correlation with the genes cagA (OR = 4.96 95% CI: 1.1-22.41), babA2 (OR = 2.78 95% CI: 1.06-7.3), and the cagA/oipA combination (OR = 4.78, 95% CI: 1.06-21.62). Follicular hyperplasia was associated with iceA1 (OR = 3.13; 95% CI: 1.2-8.16), babA2 (OR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.14-5.77), cagA (OR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.06-4.52), and the cagA/oipA combination (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.12-4.84). The vacA (m1) and vacA (s1m1) genes were associated with gastric intestinal metaplasia (OR = 2.71 95% CI: 1.17-6.29) (OR = 2.33 95% CI: 1.03-5.24). Finally, we showed that cagA/vacA (s1m1) gene combination increased the risk of duodenal ulcer development (OR = 2.89, 95% CI 1.10-7.58). CONCLUSION: This study makes a significant contribution by offering genotypic information regarding H. pylori infection. The presence of several H. pylori genes was associated with the onset of gastrointestinal illness in the Ecuadorian population.

Aetiology and clinical spectrum of gastric outlet obstruction in North West India.

Our study to evaluate the aetiological and clinical spectrum of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) in North-west India showed malignant cause (54.9%) was more common than benign (45.1%). Common causes of malignancy were gall bladder (37.5%), gastric (31.8%) and pancreatic carcinoma (19.6%); commonest benign causes were opioid abuse (29%), peptic ulcer disease (21.6%), ingestion of corrosives (20.2%) and chronic pancreatitis (12.3%).

Rates of Recurrent Marginal Ulcer in Gastric Bypass Patients Undergoing Revisional Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The rate of marginal ulcer (MU) following primary Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) is approximately .6-16%. Few studies have evaluated recurrence rates following surgical revision for MU. The primary aim of this study was to determine the rate of MU recurrence following revision. The secondary aim was to evaluate the impact of truncal vagotomy (TV) on the recurrence rates and analyze potential risk factors associated with the recurrence of MU after revision. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study examining data at a single tertiary academic medical center. Adult patients with a history of RYGB who underwent gastrojejunostomy revision for recurrent MU between the years of 2003-2020 were included. We sought to determine our overall rate of MU following revision, with and without TV. Additionally, we examined the association of risk factors with MU recurrence. Fisher's exact test was used to determine the statistical significance of recurrence rates between the groups. RESULTS: We included 90 patients in the study. The overall recurrence rate for MU was 16.7%. Of the 90 patients, 35 (35.4%) patients underwent TV at the time of revision. The recurrence rate of MU after GJ revision with TV was 14.3% in comparison to those without TV, 18.2% (P = .775). Smoking, steroid, alcohol use, history of cardiac surgery/intervention, and helicobacter pylori were not significantly associated with recurrent MU following revision. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of recurrence after revision for MU is high. Adding TV trended towards decreased MU recurrence after revisional surgery, however not significant. Larger studies are needed to evaluate risk factors associated with recurrent MU after revision.

Clinical Features of Gastroduodenal Ulcers in Kidney Transplant Patients.

Objective The risk of developing peptic ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding is high in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Whether or not kidney transplant patients, who are treated with multiple medications, including immunosuppressive drugs, are at an increased risk of developing peptic ulcers is unclear. Methods In this retrospective study, we compared the clinical and endoscopic features of gastroduodenal ulcers between kidney transplant patients and CKD patients. The subjects underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy between January 2015 and March 2021. Results Gastroduodenal ulcers were observed more frequently (6.5%) in kidney transplant patients than in CKD patients (2.1%) (p=0.026). Due in part to the lower median age in the kidney transplant ulcer group than in the CKD ulcer group (59 vs. 70 years old, p=0.016), the rates of atrophic gastritis and Helicobacter pylori infection were also lower in the kidney transplant ulcer group than in the CKD ulcer group. Significantly more kidney transplant patients were treated with acid secretion inhibitors than CKD ulcer patients (100% vs. 34.8%, p=0.0005). Peptic ulcers were observed frequently in kidney transplant patients, even though common risk factors for gastroduodenal ulcers other than immunosuppressive drugs were few. All kidney transplant patients were taking immunosuppressive medications, and tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and methylprednisolone were taken more frequently than others. Conclusion Kidney transplant patients have a high risk of developing gastroduodenal ulcers. All kidney transplant patients take immunosuppressive medications, so there may be an association between immunosuppressive medications and gastroduodenal ulcer development.

Mortality and risk factors associated with peptic ulcer bleeding among adult inpatients of Damascus Hospital, Syria: A cross-sectional study.

Peptic ulcer bleeding is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, while monitoring mortality is extremely beneficial to public health, and the latest estimates date back to 2010 for the Syrian population. This study aims to estimate the in-hospital mortality rate and risk factors associated with peptic ulcer bleeding among adult inpatients at Damascus Hospital, Syria. A cross-sectional study with systematic random sampling. Sample size (n) was calculated using the proportional equation: [n = Z2P (1 - P)/d2], with the following hypothesis: Z = 1.96 for the 95% confidence level, P = .253 for mortality in patients hospitalized with complicated peptic ulcers, a margin of error (d) = 0.05, 290 charts were reviewed, and the Chi-square test (χ2 test) was used for categorical variables, and the t test for continuous data. We reported the odds ratio in addition to mean and standard deviation with a 95% confidence. A P value less than .05 was considered statistically significant. Data were analyzed using a statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS). The mortality rate was 3.4%, and the mean age was 61.76 ±â€…16.02 years. The most frequent comorbidities were hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and ischemic heart disease. The most commonly used medications were NSAIDs, aspirin, and clopidogrel. 74 patients (25.52%) were using aspirin with no documented indication P < .01, odds ratio = 6.541, 95% CI [2.612-11.844]. There were 162 (56%) Smokers. Six patients (2.1%) suffered from recurrent bleeding, and 13 (4.5%) needed surgery. Raising awareness about the risks of using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may reduce the occurrence of peptic ulcers and, as a result, peptic ulcer complications. Larger, nationwide studies are needed to estimate the real mortality rate in complicated peptic ulcer patients in Syria. There is a lack of some critical data in the patients' charts, which necessitates action to correct.

A Study of Upper GI Endoscopic Findings in Patients Presented with Upper GI Bleed.

INTRODUCTION: Bleeding from upper gastrointestinal tract is approximately five times more common than bleeding from lower gastrointestinal tract. The most common cause has been gastroduodenal ulcer disease, Esophageal varices, Mallory-Weiss tear. MATERIALS: It is an observational study carried out in General medicine department in GSL hospital in patients presented with history of vomiting of frank blood and/or passed dark coloured stools were chosen for this study with an aim to find out the prevalence of nature of lesion on Upper Gastro Endoscopy in patients admitted for UGI bleed and to find out the prevalence of nature of lesion. RESULT: Detailed history regarding the UGI bleeding like number of times of hematemesis approximate quantity of blood vomited each time, associated with malena. Symptoms of common diseases that can lead to UGI bleeding and detailed history of drug intake like aspirin, other NSAIDs, steroids and symptoms due to blood loss were recorded in the questionnaire. CONCLUSION: The peptic ulcer disease was the most common lesion found on endoscopy with prevalence of 54% and Varices with prevalence of 16% Minor UGI bleed was the commonest presentation. Majority of lesions (60%) presented with minor UGI bleed 28% lesions presented as moderate UGI bleed. Only 8% presented as major UGI bleed. Varices account for the most common cause for major UGI bleed contributing 50%. Gastric ulcer was commonest lesions accounting for 37 cases (37%) among 72 cases having single acid peptic lesions on endoscopy. The second most common is common is duodenal ulcer (31%). References Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases. 8th ed. Saunders: Philadelphia; 2006. pp. 1092-1096. Longstreth GF. Epidemiology of hospitalization for acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage: a population-based study. Am J Gastroenterol 1995;90(2):206-210.

Gastroduodenal Ulcers in Liver Transplant Recipients under Immunosuppressive Therapy.

INTRODUCTION: The proportion of gastroduodenal ulcers caused by drugs is increasing. However, the risk of gastroduodenal ulcer from drugs other than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and low-dose aspirin is unclear. An association between immunosuppressive drugs and gastroduodenal ulcers has been suggested. We aimed to identify the immunosuppressive drugs and clinical characteristics associated with gastroduodenal ulcers in post-liver transplant patients. METHODS: The study investigated 119 patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy after liver transplantation, and 2 patients were excluded. Clinical characteristics, medications, and endoscopic images were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Among 117 post-living donor liver transplant recipients, gastroduodenal ulcers were found in 10 (9.2%) patients. The ulcer group had endoscopic gastritis more frequently (40%) compared with the non-ulcer group (10%). Logistic regression analysis revealed gastritis, NSAID use, and mycophenolate mofetil were risk factors in the post-liver transplant patients. Among 103 patients not on NSAIDs, 8 (7.8%) had peptic ulcer. The most common ulcer site and ulcer shape were the gastric antrum and a circular shape, respectively. All patients in the ulcer group were taking mycophenolate mofetil, which was the only immunosuppressive drug that showed a significant difference between the two groups. Five out of 8 ulcer patients (63%) were taking gastric acid suppressants, and gastroduodenal ulcers in post-liver transplant recipients were suggested to be refractory. CONCLUSION: Patients treated with immunosuppressive drugs after liver transplantation can develop gastroduodenal ulcers, even with gastric acid suppressant medication. Mycophenolate mofetil may increase the risk of gastroduodenal ulcers compared with other immunosuppressive drugs.