Recent separation and the onset of peptic ulcer disease in older children and adolescents

The onset of peptic ulcer disease in adolescents often appears to be preceded by a separation or loss. We attempted to review data on, or to recontact, the 59 adolescent and preadolescent patients with peptic ulcer disease (gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, and hematemesis of unknown etiology) admitted to Montefiore Hospital and Medical Center between 1968 and 1979. We were able to obtain adequate retrospective data for 24 of these patients. Ten (42%) had encountered a separation or loss within 12 months of the onset of their illness. In 6 patients the event occurred within 4 weeks of admission. In a matched group of 24 appendectomy patients, 1 separation occurred in the 12 months prior to admission (X²=9.6; p <0.01). We conclude that in the adolescent population, a recent separation or loss may be associated with the onset of peptic ulcer disease in predisposed persons.