Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Khorramabad City in 2011 A Single Referral Center Experience

BACKGROUND Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common medical emergency and is known as one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity. This research was conducted to study the causes and risk factors for UGIB, in a referral center. METHODS In this cross sectional study, carried out in a one year period, all patients with acute UGIB living in Khorramabad city and surrounding area, entered the study. A control group with age and sex matched was selected from outpatient visits and their relatives who had referred to hospital clinics. Data collecting tool was a self-made questionnaire, demographic, clinical manifestations and endoscopic findings. The data was analyzed using chi-square test, Fisher exact test and Odds ratio estimation. RESULTS Sixty-two patients with acute UGIB were studied, 67.7% of them were males. The mean age of patients was 54.5±12.1. The most common causes of acute UGIB were peptic (42.7%), erosive gastritis (19.8%) and esophageal varices (19.8%). 29%, and 9.7% of patients, and control group had a history of regular consumption of Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs ( Odd’ s ratio 3.8, CI: 1.3-4.8). 35.5% of episodes of acute UGIB were in age more than 60 years. CONCLUSION Peptic ulcer disease is the most common cause of acute UGIB in our region. Episodes of acute UGIB were correlated with regular NSAIDs use, but not with alcohol consumption, smoking, and gender. Identifying people who are at risk and providing preventive strategies can reduce the rate of this disease and its complications.