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Death in acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Can endoscopy reduce mortality?
Lancet (London, England)
|May 29, 1976
Summary
Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding disproportionately affects patients over 60. Improved diagnostic techniques like endoscopy may not significantly reduce mortality rates from this condition.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a significant cause of mortality.
- The elderly population (over 60 years) represents a substantial proportion of cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze mortality causes in acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
- To evaluate the impact of diagnostic techniques on mortality rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 64 deaths from acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Categorization of deaths by age, bleeding recurrence, and cause.
Main Results:
- 72% of deaths (46 patients) were in individuals over 60.
- Recurrent bleeding accounted for only 4 deaths after excluding exsanguination and variceal bleeding.
- Postoperative complications and severe concomitant diseases were major causes of death.
Conclusions:
- Mortality in acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding is often linked to factors beyond the bleeding event itself.
- Advanced diagnostic tools like endoscopy may have limited impact on overall mortality reduction.