Risk Factors that Affect Morbidity and Mortality in Patients with Perforated Peptic Ulcer Diseases in a Teaching Hospital

Background: This study was done to identify risk factors that affect the morbidity and mortality of patients operated for a perforated peptic ulcer in a resource-limited setting. Methods: A two years (January 1, 2016 - December 30, 2018) retrospective cross- sectional study was done on patients admitted and operated for PPU at Yekatit 12 Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Results: A total of 93 patients were operated. The median age affected was 29 years (Range 15-75 years). Male to female ratio was 7.5:1. Chewing chat, smoking and alcohol use were seen in 22 (23.6%), 35(37.6%), and 34(36.5%), cases respectively. Only 23.6% gave previous history of dyspepsia. The median duration of illness was 48hours and the duodenal to gastric ulcer perforation ratio was 6.5:1. In majority of the cases (63.3%) the perforation diameter was <10mm (63.3%). Cellan-Jones repair of the perforations was done in 92.5% of cases. A total of 47 complications were seen in 25 cases. The total complications and mortality rates were 25(26.8%) and 6(6.5%) respectively. The most common postoperative complication was pneumonia (13.97%) followed by superficial surgical site infection (10.8%). Mortality rate was highest among patients >50yrs [AOR (95%CI) =2.4(2-30)]. Delayed presentation of >24 hours [AOR (95%CI) =4.3(1.4-13.5)] and a SBP <90mmhg [AOR (95%CI) =4.8(1-24)] were found to be significantly related with higher complication rate. Conclusions: Patients who presented early and immediate corrective measures were instituted had better outcomes while those seen late developed unfavorable out-come with significantly higher complications. Therefore, early detection and treatment of PPU is essential.