Disparities in peptic ulcer disease: A nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: While advances in diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease have led to a decrease in hospital admissions the socioeconomic distribution of these benefits is unknown.

METHODS: We designed a retrospective cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample from 2012 to 2013 including all patients that were admitted for peptic ulcer disease. We compared the types of ulcer related complications, the rates of intervention and the outcomes based on race and insurance status.

RESULTS: Of 42,046 patients admitted for peptic ulcer disease 80.25% had an ulcer related complication. Black patients had the lowest rates of bleeding and highest rates of perforation and were less likely to undergo surgery for their complication but mortality was not different from white patients. Uninsured patients also had lower rates of bleeding and higher rates of perforation and they were at increased risk for death.

CONCLUSIONS: Unlike other surgical conditions insurance status, not race, predicts mortality in peptic ulcer disease.