Introduction: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common medical emergency associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It presents with varied clinical features and etiologies, necessitating early diagnosis and prompt management. Endoscopy remains the gold standard for identifying the source of bleeding and guiding therapy. The study aimed to study the clinical profile and endoscopic findings in patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care centre and included 130 patients aged ≥18 years presenting with hematemesis and/or melena. Detailed clinical history, including demographic characteristics, alcohol use, smoking status, and BMI, was recorded. Laboratory investigations such as complete blood count, coagulation profile, liver and renal function tests were performed. All patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to identify the aetiology of bleeding. Data were analysed using appropriate statistical methods and expressed as mean, median, and proportions. Results: The majority of patients belonged to the 31–50 years age group, with a male predominance (70%). Alcohol consumption (60%) and smoking (50%) were common risk factors. Most patients had normal BMI. Peptic ulcer disease was the most common cause of UGIB, with duodenal ulcers (29.23%) and gastric ulcers (24.62%) accounting for over half of cases. Esophageal varices contributed to a significant proportion of cases. Laboratory findings revealed anemia, deranged coagulation parameters, and evidence of hepatic dysfunction in many patients. Conclusion: UGIB is most prevalent among middle-aged males and is strongly associated with modifiable risk factors such as alcohol and smoking. Peptic ulcer disease remains the leading cause, followed by variceal bleeding. Early endoscopic evaluation and comprehensive clinical assessment are essential for effective management and improved outcomes.
Hawale et al. (Wed,) studied this question.