Abstract
Aim: To determine the frequency of non-variceal upper gastro-intestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) in patients of liver cirrhosis.
Methods: A total number of 136 patients of liver cirrhosis having upper GI bleeding who presented in medical emergency of Nishtar Hospital Multan were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Gastric Endoscopy was done all patients to determine the presence of NVUGIB in all patients. Data regarding patient's age, Body mass index (BMI), gender and duration of upper GI bleed was also collected.
Results: Mean age was 47.23 +/- 9.45 years. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.94 +/- 3.35 kg/m(2). Mean duration of upper UGIB was 3.45 +/- 3.03 months. There were 94(69.12%) male and 42(30.88%) female patients. NVUGIB was found in 76(55.88%). There was a significant association of age with NVUGIB. In patients of age 20-49 years, NVUGIB was found in 47(62.7%) patients. In having age 49-65 years, NVUGIB was found in 29(47.5%) patients.
Conclusion: NVUGIB in patients with liver cirrhosis is very common and it is more common in younger age patients. So diagnostic endoscopy should be done in liver cirrhosis patients presenting with upper GI bleeding in emergency departments. This will aid in proper diagnosis and in deciding the appropriate treatment in these patients.