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Etiology of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in Jordanian patients: A prospective study

M M Shennak1

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, GI and Liver Unit, Jordan University Hospital, and Al-Bashir Hospital, Amman, Jordan.

Annals of Saudi Medicine
|January 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

This study identified common causes of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding in Jordan, finding duodenal ulcers and erosions most frequent. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were a key risk factor, with significant patient mortality observed.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Clinical Research

Background:

  • Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding is a common medical emergency.
  • Identifying etiological factors is crucial for effective management and prognosis.
  • Limited data exists on UGI bleeding causes in Jordan.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the common causes of UGI bleeding in Jordanian patients.
  • To determine the diagnostic yield of early endoscopy.
  • To assess the role of NSAIDs and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 853 patients undergoing endoscopy within 24 hours of UGI bleeding onset.
  • Complementary investigations included RBC scans, angiography, and radiography for endoscopy-negative cases.
  • Data collection on etiology, predisposing factors, and mortality.

Main Results:

  • Endoscopy identified bleeding sources in 93.7% of patients.
  • The most common causes were duodenal ulcer, gastric erosions, duodenal erosions, esophagitis, gastric ulcer, and esophageal varices.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were implicated in 28.6% of cases. Initial mortality was 3.4%, rising to 6.9% over 12 months.

Conclusions:

  • Early endoscopy is highly effective in diagnosing UGI bleeding causes in Jordan.
  • Duodenal ulcers and erosions are leading causes, with NSAIDs as a significant risk factor.
  • UGI bleeding carries a substantial mortality risk requiring further preventative strategies.

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