Trends in hospitalizations, mortality, and lethality due to peptic ulcer disease in Chile, during the period 2001 to 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Peptic ulcer disease remains a significant public health issue. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the epidemiology, trends, and factors associated with hospital discharges and mortality due to peptic ulcer disease in Chile over the past two decades. Methodology: A population-based observational study was conducted using hospital discharge and death records from the Chilean Department of Health Statistics and Information between 2001 and 2023. Age-specific and age-adjusted rates of hospital discharges, mortality, and case fatality were calculated. Trends and differences by sex, age, and geographic distribution were analyzed. Results: A total of 69.097 hospital discharges due to peptic ulcer disease were identified (66,8% male). The age-adjusted discharge rate declined from 29,0 (2001) to 12,9 (2014) per 100.000 population. However, hospital case fatality rates increased steadily, particularly among women, with an average annual percentage change of 31,38% (2001-2004) and 5,98% (2004-2023). Overall mortality decreased (annual percentage change of -5,31% from 2001 to 2011), followed by an upward trend since 2011 (annual percentage change of 2,77%). The Los Ríos Region had the highest incidence (standardized incidence ratio of 1,55). Discussion: Despite the reduction in hospitalizations, the progressive rise in case fatality suggests a shift in the patient profile, likely older individuals with more comorbidities and greater exposure to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Conclusion: These findings highlight the ongoing burden of peptic ulcer disease as a cause of morbidity and mortality and underscore the need to explore geographic disparities to optimize prevention and management strategies.