Assessment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in chronic pancreatitis patients using jejunal aspirate culture and glucose hydrogen breath test.

BACKGROUND: A subset of chronic pancreatitis patients respond poorly to pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is considered to be one of the major reasons for this poor response. Previous studies have reported a wide range of prevalence of SIBO in patients with chronic pancreatitis. We aimed to assess the prevalence of SIBO in chronic pancreatitis using quantitative jejunal aspirate culture and glucose hydrogen breath test (GHBT). The sensitivity and specificity of GHBT for the diagnosis of SIBO in chronic pancreatitis were also estimated. METHODS: Newly diagnosed chronic pancreatitis patients were recruited into the study. A detailed history and relevant laboratory tests were done. All patients underwent an endoscopy and jejunal fluid aspiration for bacterial cultures and GHBT to detect SIBO. The results of GHBT were compared with jejunal fluid aspirate culture. RESULTS: The jejunal aspirate culture was positive in 18/48 (37.5%) patients while the GHBT showed that 14/48 (29%) patients had SIBO. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of GHBT in our study was 44.4, 80, 57.14 and 70.59%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: SIBO is not uncommon in chronic pancreatitis patients. One-third of our study population had SIBO. GHBT has low sensitivity but had high specificity in the diagnosis of SIBO in chronic pancreatitis.

Nasogastric versus nasojejunal tube feeding for severe acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Nutrition is an important aspect of management in severe acute pancreatitis. Enteral nutrition has advantages over parenteral nutrition and is the preferred method of feeding. Enteral feeding via nasojejunal tube is often recommended, but its benefits over nasogastric feeding are unclear. The placement of a nasogastric tube is technically simpler than the placement of a nasojejunal tube. OBJECTIVES: To compare the mortality, morbidity, and nutritional status outcomes of people with severe acute pancreatitis fed via nasogastric tube versus nasojejunal tube. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, and LILACS on 17 October 2019 without using any language restrictions. We also searched reference lists and conference proceedings for relevant studies and clinical trial registries for ongoing trials. We contacted authors for additional information. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs comparing enteral feeding by nasogastric and nasojejunal tubes in participants with severe acute pancreatitis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently screened studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias of the included studies, and extracted data. This information was independently verified by the other review authors. We used standard methods expected by Cochrane to assess the risk of bias and perform data synthesis. We rated the certainty of evidence according to GRADE. MAIN RESULTS: We included five RCTs that randomised a total of 220 adult participants from India, Scotland, and the USA. Two of the trial reports were available only as abstracts. The trials differed in the criteria used to rate the severity of acute pancreatitis, and three trials excluded those who presented in severe shock. The duration of onset of symptoms before presentation in the trials ranged from within one week to four weeks. The trials also differed in the methods used to confirm the placement of the tubes and in what was considered to be nasojejunal placement. We assessed none of the trials as at high risk of bias, though reporting of methods in four trials was insufficient to judge the risk of bias for one or more of the domains assessed. There was no evdence of effect with nasogastric or nasojejunal placement on the primary outcome of mortality (risk ratio (RR) 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36 to 1.17; I2 = 0%; 5 trials, 220 participants; very low-certainty evidence due to indirectness and imprecision). Similarly, there was no evidence of effect on the secondary outcomes for which data were available. These included organ failure (3 trials, 145 participants), rate of infection (2 trials, 108 participants), success rate (3 trials, 159 participants), complications associated with the procedure (2 trials, 80 participants), need for surgical intervention (3 trials, 145 participants), requirement of parenteral nutrition (2 trials, 80 participants), complications associated with feeds (4 trials, 195 participants), and exacerbation of pain (4 trials, 195 participants). However, the certainty of the evidence for these secondary outcomes was also very low due to indirectness and imprecision. Three trials (117 participants) reported on length of hospital stay, but the data were not suitable for meta-analysis. None of the trials reported data suitable for meta-analysis for the other secondary outcomes of this review, which included days taken to achieve full nutrition requirement, duration of tube feeding, and duration of analgesic requirement after feeding tube placement. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to conclude that there is superiority, inferiority, or equivalence between the nasogastric and nasojejunal mode of enteral tube feeding in people with severe acute pancreatitis.

A Simple Pre-endoscopy Score for Predicting Risk of Malignancy in Patients with Dyspepsia: A 5-Year Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: The guidelines for performing endoscopy in dyspeptic patients based on clinical parameters alone have shown variable performance, and there is a need for better prediction tools. AIM: We aimed to prospectively develop and validate a simple clinical-cum-laboratory test-based scoring model to identify dyspeptic patients with high risk of upper gastrointestinal malignancy (UGIM). METHODS: Adult patients with dyspeptic symptoms were prospectively recruited over 5 years. Clinical details including alarm features were recorded, and blood tests for hemoglobin and albumin were done before endoscopy. The presence of UGIM was the primary outcome. Risk factors for UGIM were assessed, and based on the OR of significant factors, a predictive scoring model was constructed. ROC curve was plotted to identify optimal cutoff score. The model was validated using bootstrapping technique. RESULTS: The study included 2324 patients (41.9 ± 12.8 years; 33.4% females). UGIM was noted in 6.8% patients. The final model had following five positive predictors for UGIM-age > 40 years (OR 3.3, score 1); albumin ≤ 3.5 g% (OR 3.4, score 1); Hb ≤ 11 g% (OR 3.3, score 1); alarm features (OR 5.98, score 2); recent onset of symptoms (OR 8.7, score 3). ROC curve had an impressive AUC of 0.9 (0.88-0.93), and a score of 2 had 92.5% sensitivity in predicting UGIM. Validation by bootstrapping showed zero bias, which further strengthened our model. CONCLUSION: This simple clinical-cum-laboratory test-based model performed very well in identifying dyspeptic patients at risk of UGIM. This can serve as a useful decision-making tool for referral for endoscopy.

Exploring current status of Helicobacter pylori infection in different age groups of patients with dyspepsia.

Recent data from Asian countries including India has shown a significant decline in the frequency of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) compared to the past. H. pylori is considered the most important risk factor for PUD, and we aimed to explore the current frequency of H. pylori infection in different age groups of patients with dyspepsia. Patients >15 years of age with dyspeptic symptoms were prospectively recruited in this study from 2010 to 2014 after obtaining informed consent. Patients were divided into three age groups: 15-30 years, 31-50 years, and >50 years, and the minimum sample size required in the three groups with a power of 90% was 259, 256, and 188, respectively. All patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy; rapid urease test was done on gastric mucosal biopsy to detect H. pylori. The clinical, demographic features and socioeconomic status were recorded. The institute review board approved the study. We included 1000 patients with dyspepsia during the study period. Their mean age was 40.0+13.3 years, and 69.3% were males. Infection with H. pylori was detected in 419 (41.9%) patients. Among men, H. pylori was present in 45.7% while the frequency of infection in women was lower at 33.2% (p < 0.001). In the 15-30 years age group (n = 303), the frequency of infection was 42.6% while it was 48.3% in the 31-50 years group (n = 350) and 34.9% in the above 50 years group (n = 347). Male sex was a significant risk factor for H. pylori infection (p < 0.001). H. pylori infection, an important risk factor for PUD, was detected in less than half of the dyspeptic patients in the current study.

Role of PH Monitoring in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Patients with Voice Disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is considered an important cause of voice disorder. We aimed to determine the frequency of LPR in patients with voice disorder and the association between Koufman Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), Reflux Finding Score (RFS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and proximal acid reflux in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective study in patients aged more than 18 years presenting at the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) clinic with a change in voice lasting more than 3 weeks. All patients underwent nasopharyngolaryngoscopy and a dual-probe esophageal pH study. LPR was diagnosed by a Koufman RSI of >13 and/or RFS of >7. GERD was diagnosed according to a DeMeester Johnson score of >14.7. Proximal acid reflux was diagnosed if acid exposure time was >0.02% in a proximal pH probe. RESULTS: The study included 30 patients with a voice disorder. The mean age of participants was 38.5 years and 40% of patients were female. Using either of the two criteria, LPR was present in 46.7% of patients, half of whom had GERD. Among the remaining 53.3% patients with a voice disorder and no evidence of LPR, GERD was present in 25%. There was no significant association between the presence of LPR based on RSI (P=1) and GERD or RFS and GERD (P=0.06). Proximal acid reflux was present in only 10% patients with a voice disorder, and there was no significant association of this test with RFS (P=1) or RSI (P=1). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of the patients with a voice disorder have LPR, and only a subset of these patients have evidence of GERD. Fiberoptic laryngoscopic findings (RFS) complementing RSI appears to be important in diagnosing possible reflux etiology in voice disorders and can be an indicator for instituting anti-reflux therapy. However, there is no significant association between RSI, RFS, and GERD suggesting that these tests evaluate different features of the disease. Proximal acid reflux is uncommon in patients with voice disorder based on current measurement criteria. Acid exposure time as measured in the proximal probe of a 24-hour dual pH probe may need to be re-evaluated as one of the diagnostic criteria for LPR.

Endoscopic ultrasonography in pediatric patients--Experience from a tertiary care center in India.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is used in the management of various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases in adults, data on its role in children is limited. This study evaluated the indications, safety, and impact of EUS in children. METHODS: Records of children (<18 years age) who underwent EUS between January 2006 and September 2014 were reviewed retrospectively and analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-one children (70 males, 51 females) aged 15.2 ± 2.9 years (mean ± SD) underwent 123 diagnostic (including fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in 7) and 2 therapeutic EUS procedures. Conscious sedation was used in 81 procedures (65%) and general anesthesia in 44 (35%). The pancreaticobiliary system was evaluated in 114 (118 procedures), mediastinum in 5, and stomach in 2 patients. EUS diagnosed chronic pancreatitis (21 patients), pancreatic necrosis (1), splenic artery pseudoaneurysm (1), gastric varix (1), pseudocysts (3), insulinomas (2), other pancreatic masses (2), choledocholithiasis (2), choledochal cysts (2), portal biliopathy (1), esophageal leiomyoma (1), gastric neuroendocrine tumor (NET) (1), and GI stromal tumor in stomach (1). EUS-guided FNAC was positive in four of seven patients (two had tuberculosis, one pancreatic solid pseudopapillary tumor, and one gastric NET). Three patients had minor adverse events. EUS had a positive clinical impact in 43 (35.5%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: EUS is feasible and safe in children. It provides valuable information that helps in their clinical management.

Influence of environmental factors on the onset and course of inflammatory bowel disease.

Numerous environmental factors have been linked with inflammatory bowel disease. These include smoking, diet, hygiene, drugs, geographical and psychosocial factors. These factors may either increase the risk of or protect against developing this condition and can also affect the course of illness in a positive or negative manner. A number of studies have examined the influence of environmental factors on inflammatory bowel diseases as a whole as well as on ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease separately. As there are differences in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, the effect of environmental factors on their onset and course is not always similar. Some factors have shown a consistent association, while reports on others have been conflicting. In this article we discuss the current evidence on the roles of these factors on inflammatory bowel disease, both as causative/protective agents and as modifiers of disease course.

Emerging role of narrow band imaging in duodenum.

Endoscopy using magnification narrow band imaging (mNBI) allows detailed assessment of mucosal surface and vascular pattern. This may help in better identification and prediction of the nature of the lesion. The role of this technology in duodenum is still evolving. Studies have shown that mNBI has high accuracy in predicting villous atrophy in the duodenum. Limited data suggests that this technique can provide additional information on duodenal polyps, nodules and ampullary tumour which can help guide their management. In this paper we describe the technique for duodenal assessment using NBI and review the existing literature evaluating its role in diagnosis of various duodenal pathologies.

Head mass in chronic pancreatitis: Inflammatory or malignant.

Chronic pancreatitis increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. This often presents as a mass lesion in the head of pancreas. Mass lesion in the head of pancreas can also occur secondary to an inflammatory lesion. Recognising this is crucial to avoid unnecessary surgery. This is sometimes difficult as there is an overlap in clinical presentation and conventional computed tomography (CT) abdomen findings in inflammatory and malignant mass. Advances in imaging technologies like endoscopic ultrasound in conjunction with techniques like fine needle aspiration, contrast enhancement and elastography as well as multidetector row CT, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography scanning have been shown to help in distinguishing inflammatory and malignant mass. Research is ongoing to develop molecular techniques to help characterise focal pancreatic mass lesions. This paper reviews the current status of imaging and molecular techniques in differentiating a benign mass lesion in chronic pancreatitis and from malignancy.

Does COX1 gene polymorphism (A842G/C50T) influence peptic ulcer bleeding in Indian patients?.

This is a pilot study to test the hypothesis that polymorphisms that may be linked to cyclooxygenase production may affect the likelihood and the nature of bleeding in patients with ulcer disease. Of the two polymorphism that have previously been studied for links we chose the A842G polymorphims. Of the 50 patients with ulcer bleeding who were studied, 8 had a heterozygous polymorphisms and 42 had the normal configuration. On comparing these two groups. there were no significant differences in clinical presentation except that there was a tendency to have less gastric ulcers among those with the A842G/C50T polymorphism. Based on these studies we need to undertake a larger studies comparing these groups with those with ulcers without GI bleeding and those without ulcers

Duodenal villous morphology assessed using magnification narrow band imaging correlates well with histology in patients with suspected malabsorption syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Narrow band imaging with magnification enables detailed assessment of duodenal villi and may be useful in predicting the presence of villous atrophy or normal villi. We aimed to assess the morphology of duodenal villi using magnification narrow band imaging and correlate it with histology findings in patients with clinically suspected malabsorption syndrome. METHODS: Patients with clinical suspicion of malabsorption presenting at a tertiary care center were prospectively recruited in this diagnostic intervention study. Patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy using magnification narrow band imaging. The villous morphology in the second part of the duodenum was assessed independently by two endoscopists and the presence of normal or atrophic villi was recorded. Biopsy specimen was obtained from the same area and was examined by two pathologists together. The sensitivity and specificity of magnification narrow band imaging in detecting the presence of duodenal villous atrophy was calculated and compared to the histology. RESULTS: One hundred patients with clinically suspected malabsorption were included in this study. Sixteen patients had histologically confirmed villous atrophy. The sensitivity and specificity of narrow band imaging in predicting villous atrophy was 87.5% and 95.2%, respectively, for one endoscopist. The corresponding figures for the second endoscopist were 81.3% and 92.9%, respectively. The interobserver agreement was very good with a kappa value of 0.87. CONCLUSION: Magnification narrow band imaging performed very well in predicting duodenal villous morphology. This may help in carrying out targeted biopsies and avoiding unnecessary biopsies in patients with suspected malabsorption.

Is empiric therapy with fluconazole appropriate for esophageal candidiasis?

We studied the prevalence of fluconazole resistance in esophageal candidiasis. Patients with suspected esophageal candidiasis during gastroscopy underwent culture of white plaques. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) >64 µg/mL of fluconazole for Candida was indicative of resistance. Sensitivity of itraconazole was tested in a subset of resistant strains. Sixty-five patients were included. Mean (SD) age was 50.03 (13.5) years and 67.7 % were males. Predisposing factors for candidiasis were found in 42 (64.6 %) patients. C. albicans was identified in 64 (97.4 %) patients and C. glabrata in one patient. Fluconazole resistance was seen in 38 (59.4 %) patients with C. albicans and also in the one patient with C. glabrata. All the fluconazole resistant isolates of C. albicans had MIC >128 µg/mL suggesting very high resistance. Twelve patients with fluconazole resistance had itraconazole resistance as well. The study shows a high rate of fluconazole resistance in patients with esophageal candidiasis.

Resting energy expenditure in subjects with fibro-calculous pancreatic diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Fibro-calculous pancreatic diabetes is an indigenous disorder present in populations largely in tropical regions. Energy expenditure through indirect calorimetry has not been studied in this disorder and may provide important clues as to the pathogenesis of diabetes in these patients. METHODS: A total of 51 males in three groups comprising fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes (FCPD) (group 1; n = 24), type 2 diabetes (group 2; n = 15) and healthy controls (group 3; n = 12) were studied. The body composition was measured using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) and the REE was estimated using indirect calorimetry. The predicted energy expenditure (PEE) was calculated using three different equations. RESULTS: Patients in both groups with diabetes had a higher mean waist-hip ratio than the controls (P = 0.002). However patients with type 2 diabetes alone had a significantly higher mean body mass index (P = 0.012), percentage of fat (P = 0.016) and total fat content (P = 0.031). There was no significant difference in REE among the three groups. After adjustment of body mass index (BMI), the REE was significantly higher in patients with FCPD than in those patients with Type 2 diabetes. PEE correlated poorly with indirect calorimetry. CONCLUSIONS: Energy expenditure in patients with diabetes varies according to the composition and distribution of body fat and is lower in patients with FCPD. Standard predictive equations were not accurate for the assessment of energy expenditure in patients with FCPD. Further research is required to recommend specific nutritional therapy for this group of patients.

Asymptomatic portal hypertension incidentally detected during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Esophageal or gastric varices may be incidentally seen during endoscopy for dyspeptic or reflux symptoms. However, the frequency of their occurrence in these patients is unknown. Our center follows the scope and treat strategy for adult patients with dyspeptic or reflux symptoms and this provided us an opportunity to study this. Apart from providing an idea on the etiological spectrum, our data suggests that patients with incidentally detected varices have well preserved liver function which may provide a window for better management.

Acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding--experience of a tertiary care center in southern India.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Over the last few decades, epidemiologic studies from the West have shown changing trends in etiology and clinical outcomes in patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleed (NVUGIB). There are limited data from India on the current status of NVUGIB. The aim of this study therefore was to assess the etiological profile and outcomes of patients with NVUGIB at our center. METHODS: We prospectively studied all patients (≥15 years) who presented with NVUGIB over a period of 1 year. The clinical and laboratory data, details of endoscopy, and course in hospital were systematically recorded. Outcome measures assessed were rebleeding rate, surgery, and mortality. RESULTS: Two hundred and fourteen patients (age, ≥15 years) presented to us with NVUGIB during the study period. The mean age was 49.9 ± 16.8 years and 73.8 % were males. Peptic ulcer was the commonest cause (32.2 %) of NVUGIB. About one third of patients required endoscopic therapy. Rebleeding occurred in 8.9 % patients, surgery was required in 3.7 %, and mortality rate was 5.1 %. Rebleeding and mortality were significantly higher among inpatients developing acute NVUGIB compared to those presenting directly to the emergency room. CONCLUSIONS: Peptic ulcer was the most common cause of NVUGIB. Outcomes (rebleed, surgery, and mortality) at our center appear similar to those currently being reported from the West.

Endoscopic ultrasonography--a sensitive tool in the preoperative localization of insulinoma.

OBJECTIVE: A number of imaging modalities have been used in the preoperative localization of insulinomas. Computed tomography (CT) is the most commonly employed modality. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) allows the transducer to be placed in close proximity to the pancreas, thereby yielding higher quality images, which facilitates accurate localization, minimally invasive surgery, and a lower occurrence of residual tumors, all of which contribute to a better clinical outcome. METHODS: We analyzed the hospital records of all adult patients (age >18 years) diagnosed with insulinoma between October 2004 and September 2010. The diagnosis was based on the clinical practice guidelines of the American Endocrine Society. We compared the sensitivities of EUS and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in lesion. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were seen over a period of 6 years, and all underwent EUS. MDCT scans were carried out in 17 patients. EUS had greater sensitivity (89%) in localizing insulinomas compared to CT (69%). In this series, the lesions that were missed on CT but picked up on EUS were smaller (<12 mm, P<.001). Lesions that were near mesenteric vessels and those located in the head of the pancreas were more likely to be missed on CT. CONCLUSIONS: EUS has a greater sensitivity in identifying and localizing insulinomas. As availability increases, EUS should be part of a preoperative insulinoma workup.

Clinical profile and predictors of disease behavior and surgery in Indian patients with Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: Recent years have seen the emergence of Crohn's disease (CD) in India and the predictors of disease behavior and surgery in these patients are not known. METHODS: The demographic and clinical profiles of patients diagnosed to have CD from January 1995 to December 2008 were analyzed retrospectively and associations with disease behavior and surgery were determined using multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-three patients (age 35 ± 14.7 years, males 57.9 %) were included. Extraintestinal manifestations were noted in 27.4 % patients. There was a median delay of 24 months to diagnosis; 66 (29.6 %) patients received antitubercular therapy prior to diagnosis. The most common site of involvement was ileocolonic (40.4 %), and the most common disease behavior was nonstricturing and nonpenetrating (57.8 %). The disease was moderate to severe in 79 %. Around 40 % patients had a relapsing course of illness. Seventy-three patients (32.7 %) had at least one surgical intervention. Independent associations with aggressive disease behavior included the presence of small bowel disease and longer duration of illness. Predictors of surgical intervention were male sex, small bowel disease, perianal disease, and aggressive disease behavior. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of CD is still delayed in India. Longer duration of illness predicted aggressive disease behavior. Surgery was performed more often in males with aggressive disease involving the small bowel and perianal area.

Narrow band imaging versus white light gastroscopy in detecting potentially premalignant gastric lesions: a randomized prospective crossover study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Narrow band imaging (NBI) detects mucosal surface details (pit pattern) as well as the microvasculature pattern of mucosa. In premalignant conditions the pattern and regularity of pits and microvasculature are altered. We aimed to assess whether NBI is superior to conventional white light gastroscopy (WLG) in detecting potentially premalignant gastric lesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a randomized prospective crossover study from January 2009 to July 2009. Patients above 45 years of age with dyspepsia in absence of alarm symptoms underwent gastric mucosal examination using WLG and NBI in the same session by different endoscopists who were blinded to each other's endoscopy findings. Biopsy was taken if required at the end of the second gastroscopy after a third observer reviewed reports of both scopists. The yield of gastric potentially premalignant lesions (atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, adenomatous polyp) was compared for both procedures. RESULTS: Two hundred [mean age 52.3 (6.4) years, males-66 %] patients participated in the study. Thirty-two patients were diagnosed to have potentially premalignant lesions using both modalities. No patient had early gastric cancer. WLG detected lesions in 17 patients (atrophic gastritis in 12, atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia in 5) and NBI in 31 patients (atrophic gastritis in 22, atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia in 9). The sensitivity of lesion detection by NBI was significantly higher than WLG (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: NBI was superior to WLG for detection of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia.

Time trends in epidemiology of peptic ulcer disease in India over two decades.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiology of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) in India differs from that in the West. It may have undergone a change with recent improvement in hygiene and availability of potent antisecretory and ulcerogenic drugs. We therefore tried to assess time-trends in the frequency of PUD over the past two decades. METHODS: Records of patients with uninvestigated dyspepsia and no alarm symptoms who had undergone upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at our institution during the years 1988 (n = 2,358), 1992 (n = 2,240), 1996 (n = 5,261), 2000 (n = 7,051), 2004 (n = 5,767) and 2008 (n = 7,539) were retrospectively reviewed. The frequencies of duodenal and gastric ulcer disease in these groups were compared. RESULTS: Of the 30,216 patients (age:41.7±12.7 years, 34 % females) during the six study periods, 2,360 (7.8 %) had PUD. The frequencies of both duodenal ulcer and gastric ulcer showed a decline from 1988 to 2008, i.e. from 12 % to 2.9 % and 4.5 % to 2.7 %, respectively (p-value <0.001 for trend for each). The decline was more marked for duodenal ulcer, and the ratio of duodenal to gastric ulcer declined from 2.7 in 1988 to 1.1 in 2008. CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiology of PUD in India may have changed in the past two decades with the incidence of duodenal ulcer declining more rapidly than that of gastric ulcer.