EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CLINICAL PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING IN A TERTIARY LEVEL HOSPITAL

Background: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a common medical emergency associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Aim of study: To determine the epidemiology and clinical profile of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding Methods: A total of 110 patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding were enrolled in this study. All the patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy within 48 hours of admission. Distribution of patients according to demographic profile, clinical parameters, basic laboratory parameters and imaging were collected prospectively. Data were analysed applying standard statistical techniques. Statistical significance was considered when p <0.05. Result: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding was most common in 41-50 yrs age group (30%). It was more common in male population and people belonging to Hindu religion. Most common form of presentation is with both hematemesis and melena. Most common cause of UGIB among males was esophageal varices and peptic ulcer disease among females. Rockall score in 60% of patients was 2. The mortality in our study was 6%. Conclusion: The study showed that males in the age group 41-50 yrs, predominantly Hindus present commonly with upper gastrointestinal bleeding mostly due to esophageal varices.