C-Reactive Protein and Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Peptic Ulcer Disease in Kano

Peptic ulcer disease is a common gastrointestinal condition in Nigeria, frequently associated with Helicobacter pylori infection and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use. This study measures serum C-reactive protein and other inflammatory markers including erythrocyte sedimentation rate and fibrinogen in patients with confirmed peptic ulcer disease attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, North West Nigeria. A case-control design was adopted, with 100 diagnosed patients matched to 100 healthy controls by age and sex. Diagnosis was confirmed by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and H. pylori status was established using the rapid urease test. Venous blood samples were collected and analysed for C-reactive protein by high-sensitivity ELISA and for other inflammatory indices by standard methods. Dietary and medication histories were collected through structured interviews. The study aims to quantify the systemic inflammatory burden in peptic ulcer patients and to compare CRP levels across H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative groups. Findings will also explore the relationship between inflammation severity and ulcer size observed at endoscopy. Results are expected to provide insights into the pathophysiological role of systemic inflammation in peptic ulcer disease in a northern Nigerian population. Keywords: C-reactive protein, peptic ulcer disease, inflammation, Helicobacter pylori, Kano.