FREQUENCY OF PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER CIRRHOSIS PRESENTING WITH UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL BLEED

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a notable cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), especially in patients with liver cirrhosis, complicating their clinical outcomes. Understanding its prevalence and characteristics in this population is vital for effective management. Objective: To determine the frequency of peptic ulcer disease in patients with liver cirrhosis presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Gastroenterology at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, over a six-month period. A sample of 145 patients with liver cirrhosis aged 20 to 60 years, presenting with UGIB, was selected. We determined the frequency of peptic ulcer disease in these patients. Results: Mean age was 41.32 ± 11.81 years. Peptic ulcer disease was present in 13.1% (19) of the patients. Gender distribution showed a slight predominance of females (54.5%), while peptic ulcer disease was more common in males (63.2%). The majority of peptic ulcers were classified as Forrest Class III (63.2%), indicating low risk, followed by Forrest Class IIC (21.1%) and IIA (15.8%). Conclusion: Peptic ulcer disease is a significant finding in cirrhotic patients presenting with UGIB, occurring in 13.1% of cases. Most ulcers were low-risk (Forrest Class III), and the prevalence was influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status and cirrhosis duration.