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Does Ramadan fasting increase acute upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage?
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Erciyes University Medical School, Kayseri, Turkey. sedacil@yahoo.com
The Journal of International Medical Research
|February 12, 2010
Summary
Fasting during Ramadan significantly increased acute upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage (AUGIH) cases. This suggests Ramadan fasting may aggravate pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Acute upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage (AUGIH) is a significant clinical concern.
- The impact of religious fasting, such as during Ramadan, on AUGIH is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of AUGIH patients during Ramadan versus a non-Ramadan month.
- To investigate if Ramadan fasting influences AUGIH incidence or severity.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective comparison of AUGIH patients presenting in October 2007 (Ramadan) and December 2007 (non-Ramadan).
- Evaluation of demographics, medical history, risk factors, diagnostic findings, treatments, and outcomes.
- Statistical analysis to identify significant differences between the two groups.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher number of AUGIH cases occurred during Ramadan (43) compared to the non-Ramadan month (28).
- Patients diagnosed during Ramadan were more likely to have a history of previous haemorrhage (72.1% vs. 42.9%).
- Peptic ulcer was the most common cause in both groups; endoscopy findings differed, but no other significant differences were noted.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of AUGIH was significantly higher during Ramadan.
- Ramadan fasting may reactivate or aggravate pre-existing gastrointestinal diseases, leading to increased AUGIH events.
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