Abstract

Background
/Aims: Bleeding still remains as one of the major medical problems in peptic ulcer diseases, despite of the advances in therapeutic options and endoscopic therapy. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of bleeding peptic ulcer between two distinct periods in the past ten years. Methods: We divided the among 10 years, we selected the two distinct periods; the first (1993∼1995) and the second (2000∼2002). The clinical and endoscopic characteristics in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer were compared between the two periods. We also analyzed the changes in the clinical outcomes as well. Results: The age of patients during the second period was significantly older compare to the first period. In subgroup analysis, proportions of patients older than 60 years and of female patients were significantly higher in the second period. The percentage of the patients with co-morbid illness, such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, or users of non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs, was higher in the second period. Despite the decreasing the frequency of urgent surgery in the second period, there was no significant difference in the rate of re-bleeding and mortality between both periods. Conclusions: Despite the advances in therapeutic options in the second period, no significant difference was found in the prognosis of bleeding ulcer, compared to the first period. Old age, co-morbid illness, and increasing usage of NSAIDs has may contributed to this. Taken together, it might be more important to apply preventive measures to the patients who have risk factors for bleeding peptic ulcer. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2005;30:235⁣242)

• Keywords: Bleeding, Peptic ulcer, Mortality