Hemorragia Digestiva Alta: Perspectiva de um hospital no interior do nordeste do Brasil.

Abstract

Introduction: Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding (UGIB) is bleeding originating proximally to the Treitz angle. It can be of variceal or non-variceal etiology, with the latter being more common. It is more frequent in men and in older individuals. Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (UGE) is the main complementary exam for diagnosis and treatment. Objective: To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with suspected UGIB in the endoscopy service of the Lagarto University Hospital (HUL) over a period of six months. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study, which included all patients over 18 years old treated at the HUL Endoscopy Service over a six-month period with suspected UGIB. Data collection was conducted through a printed questionnaire applied by the researcher. Results: A total of 361 upper gastrointestinal endoscopies were performed during the study period, involving 317 different patients, 75 of whom had suspected UGIB. After some losses, 41 patients were evaluated. The main cause of bleeding was esophageal varices, responsible for 39.1% of confirmed cases. Males were more affected, with an approximate ratio of 8:2. Regarding age, the average was 61.8 years for patients with suspected UGIB and 62.6 years for those with confirmed bleeding. Conclusion: A higher incidence of UGIB was observed in elderly male patients, with esophageal varices being the main etiology, followed by peptic ulcer disease. Finally, future studies with larger samples and longer study periods are suggested, including new variables such as in-hospital and out-of hospital mortality.