Factors relevant to the prognosis of chronic duodenal ulcer

The aim of the study was to define the effects of sex, age, smoking, alcohol, analgesic ingestion, and treatment method whereby healing was initially induced on the prognosis of patients with a chronic duodenal ulcer (DU). 122 patients were assessed 1 year after the endoscopic demonstration of a DU. Two outcome variables for this 1-year period were studied - freedom from symptoms, and proven recurrences of the DU. Additionally, the outcome groups were compared to a community control population as regards the exposure variables. The results of the study indicate that each increase in smoking by 10 cigarettes daily increased the risk of DU recurrences within 1 year by 40%. Comparisons between patients and community controls revealed that smoking was significantly associated with DU and this association was present whether the ulcer was in exacerbation or in remission.