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Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in southern Saudi Arabia
M E Ahmed1, B al-Knaway, A H al-Wabel
1Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB) in Saudi Arabia is most commonly caused by esophageal varices due to viral hepatitis. Mortality rates for AUGIB are lower compared to Western countries, likely due to a younger patient population and fewer cases of malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB) represents a significant cause of hospital admissions.
- Understanding regional variations in AUGIB causes and outcomes is crucial for effective healthcare management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, causes, and outcomes of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB) in southern Saudi Arabia.
- To establish baseline data for AUGIB epidemiology in the region.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted on patients admitted with AUGIB to a district hospital in Abha City, Saudi Arabia (1991-1993).
- All patients underwent upper endoscopy within 24 hours of admission.
- Annual hospital admission rates were calculated based on the regional population.
Main Results:
- Esophageal varices (30%), gastritis/erosions (25%), and duodenal ulcers (22%) were the most frequent causes of AUGIB.
- Hepatitis B and C virus-related liver cirrhosis was the primary cause of variceal bleeding.
- Patients with variceal bleeding were younger and exhibited a higher mortality rate than those with non-variceal bleeding.
Conclusions:
- Bleeding esophageal varices are the leading cause of AUGIB in Saudi Arabia, linked to the high prevalence of viral hepatitis B and C.
- Lower mortality rates observed in Saudi Arabia compared to Western countries may be attributed to a younger patient demographic and lower incidence of malignancy and NSAID use.