Endoscopic findings in elderly dyspeptic patients

Abstract EN

Objective : Dyspepsia is a common symptom with extensive different diagnoses.

Aging is the progressive, universal decline in functional reserve.

The aim of our study is to identify the causes of dyspepsia in elderly.

Methods : This across sectional study is carried out in endoscopy unit of Al-Yarmook Teaching Hospital / Baghdad/Iraq during the period from March to December 2009.

One hundred and eight patients older than 60 years old with dyspepsia were included, full history were taken, examination and endoscopy were done to all of them, another 200 patient less than 60 years old were included as a control group.

Results : Sixty two patients (57.4 %) were 60 to years old and 46 (42.6 %) were 71 to 80 years old.

Abnormal oesophagogastoduodenoscopy (OGD) were higher in 71 to 80 years old patients (81 %) than those 60 to 70 years old (50 %) patients, (p < 0.00).

The commonest cause of dyspepsia in old age was duodenal ulcer.

Malignant diseases were diagnosed in five patients (11 %) of 70 to 80 years old age group.

Abdominal pain was the most frequent symptom (80 %), followed by loss of appetite in (30 %).

Loss of weight, anaemia and dysphagia were more common in patients with malignancies.

Conclusions : Duodenal ulcer was more common in elderly patient who were smoker and take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).