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Published on: November 15, 2024

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Nature and magnitude of the problem in the U.S

J A Cutler, A I Mendeloff

    Digestive Diseases and Sciences
    |July 1, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    Upper GI bleeding affects 150 per 100,000 people annually in the U.S. Diagnostic endoscopy use tripled in 1978, though its impact on mortality is unclear.

    Area of Science:

    • Gastroenterology
    • Epidemiology
    • Health Services Research

    Background:

    • Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a significant health concern.
    • Understanding its incidence and diagnostic approaches is crucial for patient care.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine the frequency of upper GI bleeding in the U.S. population.
    • To assess the utilization of diagnostic endoscopy for upper GI bleeding evaluations.

    Main Methods:

    • Utilized data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey and National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey.
    • Incorporated limited data from the Veteran's Administration and State of Wisconsin.
    • Employed an indirect estimation method based on bleeding peptic ulcer cases.

    Main Results:

    • Estimated an upper GI bleeding hospitalization rate of 150 per 100,000 population annually.
    • Reported that approximately one-sixth of patients with upper GI bleeding underwent gastroscopy/esophagoscopy in 1978.
    • Observed a threefold increase in endoscopy use over the preceding five years.

    Conclusions:

    • Diagnostic endoscopy use for upper GI bleeding significantly increased by 1978.
    • While national mortality from upper GI bleeding decreased, a direct link to increased endoscopy use could not be established.
    • Further research is recommended to clarify the impact of diagnostic endoscopy on upper GI bleeding outcomes.

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