PEPTIC-ULCER IN INDIA AND BANGLADESH

There is considerable regional variation in the occurrence of duodenal ulcer in India. Of 1000 hospital admissions, if 10 adults come with an ulcer, this incidence is regarded as high, 1 to 10 ulcer patients as moderate, less than one, low. According to this classification, patients with duodenal ulcer are numerous in the southern and eastern provinces of the country and few in northwest and north. The inhabitants of regions with high ulcus duodeni incidence eat much rice and those of regions with low incidence have wheat as main food. Male/female ratio for the illness is about 16.1 to 1. According to the literature the stomach ulcer to duodenal ulcer rate is 12.4 to 1, according to the author's data 32 to 1. In relation to age, the peak of illnesses occurs between the ages of 30 and 40, that is, 10 years earlier than in Western Europe. Pylorusstenosis is the most frequent complication of duodenal ulcer, whilst perforation and haemorrhage are rare. Variation of occurrence in Hindus (vegetarians) and Moslems (non-vegatarians) could not be demonstrated. The many hypotheses concerning genesis of ulcus duodeni have only limited value and can not entirely elucidate the indeed complex existence of the illness. Thus further research and observation are necessary.