Variceal Bleeding is Leading Cause of Upper GI Bleed: A Study from Northern Part of Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a leading cause of hospitalization in medical emergencies around the world, with a high death and morbidity rate. In all cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, endoscopy is the primary diagnostic tool. Key management of depends on diagnosing the exact cause of disease. Methodology: This descriptive study was carried out at Gastroenterology Department, PIMS, Islamabad from January 2019 to December 2019. All patients having history of upper gastrointestinal bleed were included in the study. Patients unfit for endoscopy i.e. with perforation, peritonitis, comatose needing intubation and those unwilling to undergo the procedure were excluded. Total 490 patients fulfilled the criterion. The cause of GI bleed was noted upon endoscopy. Data was noted on set performa and further statistical analysis was performed via SPSS v 26. Results: Among 490 patients, 298 (61%) were males while 192 (39%) were females. Most common age group presenting with upper GI bleed belongs to old age group i.e. had age above 60 years (n=235, 47.9%) followed by 40 to 59 years (n=174, 35.5%).Most common cause of upper GI bleed was found to be variceal bleed (n=292, 59.5%), followed by ulcer bleed (n=88, 18.0%) and stomach cancer (n=28, 6%). In 82 (17%) cases no reason for gastrointestinal bleed could be found out. Chi-square test showed Variceal bleed to be the most significant reason (χ2=65.2, P-Value<0.001) of Upper GI bleed. Conclusion: Variceal bleed is the most significant cause of upper GI bleed in our study population. This trend can be attributed to increased prevalence of hepatitis C in Pakistan. Special attention to the patient’s symptoms especially with history of HCV can help in early diagnosis and timely management. Keywords: Variceal Bleed, Upper GI Bleed, Endoscopy, Ulcer, Hepatitis C.