The aim: The assessment of evolution both incidence and aetiological factors for peptic ulcer in patients which followed-up in our department during last five years. Methods: This epidemiologic retrospective study assessed new peptic ulcers from 1996 to 2000 year. The localisation of ulcers, Helicobacter pylori infection and further etiologic factors were followed-up. The course of each mentioned indicators during five years was assessed. Results: The incidence of peptic ulcers decreased from 62.2% in 1996 (n = 126) to 43.2% in 2000 (n = 88) in the study group followed-up by gastroscopy. Duodenal ulcer has been praevailing in both followed periods. Ratio of duodenal to gastric ulcers shifted to increase of gastric ulcers from 59.5% / 40.5% to 52.3% / 47.7%. The increase of coincidence of both NSAID abuse and Helicobacter pylori negative ulcers were documented. Further possible causes for peptic ulcer epidemiology changes during followed time are discussed. Conclusion: Significant decrease of peptic ulcer incidence including primary peptic ulcer disease in the period between 1996 to 2000 was proved. We suggest, according to decrease of Helicobacter positive ulcers that increasing in number of bacteria eradication and decreasing prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection play an important part in decreasing of total peptic ulcer incidence in this population group.

        Key words: Helicobacter pylori – peptic ulcer – retrospective study