CLINICAL AND ETIOLOGICAL SPECTRUM OF UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTH INDIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding; Esophageal varices; Peptic ulcer disease; Chronic liver disease; Endoscopy; Risk factors
Abstract
Background: Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding is a common and potentially life-threatening emergency encountered in clinical practice. The etiological spectrum varies across regions depending on underlying risk factors such as chronic liver disease, alcohol use, and NSAID consumption. Understanding regional patterns is essential for effective management and prevention.
Objectives: To assess the clinical presentation and etiological profile of patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a tertiary care hospital in North India.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted over 11 months (September 2021 to July 2022) including 85 adult patients presenting with hematemesis and/or melena. Data were collected using a pretested semi-structured proforma. All patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to determine the etiology. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.0, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: The majority of patients were in the age group of 46–60 years, with a male predominance. Combined hematemesis and melena was the most common presentation. Alcohol consumption and chronic liver disease were the major risk factors identified. Endoscopic findings revealed esophageal varices as the most common cause of UGI bleeding, followed by peptic ulcer disease. A statistically significant association was found between chronic liver disease and variceal bleeding (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Esophageal varices and peptic ulcer disease are the predominant causes of UGI bleeding in this setting. Early recognition of risk factors, especially chronic liver disease, along with timely endoscopic intervention, is essential for improving outcomes. Preventive strategies targeting modifiable risk factors are crucial to reduce disease burden.
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Dr Praanjal Gupta
Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, G. S. Medical College, Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Dr Satish Kumar Ranjan
Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Varun Arjun Medical College, Sahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Dr Chaitanya Reddy Kanumuru
Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Varun Arjun Medical College, Sahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Dr Jatin Prajapati
Post Graduate Student, Department of Community Medicine, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.
