Etiology of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, South-Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a medical emergency that remains a common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the common causes of upper GI bleeding in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, South-Southern Nigeria. Methods: Records of all patients referred with upper GI bleeding to the endoscopy unit of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital from February 2006 to January 2013 were reviewed. Relevant data and findings at diagnostic upper GI endoscopy were retrieved from the endoscopy register. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 15.0. Results: A total of 1084 patients had upper GI endoscopy during the study, of those 311 (28.7%) had upper GI bleeding. The mean age of patients with upper GI bleeding was 51.48 ± 17.5. Range was 14–90 years and the male: female ratio was 2.04:1. The most common cause of upper GI bleeding was peptic ulcer disease (PUD), found in 102 (32.8%) cases, followed by gastritis in 88 (28.3%) cases. Esophageal varices accounted for 47 (15.1%) cases whereas duodenitis was found in 16 (5.1%) cases. Carcinoma of the stomach occurred in 13 (4.2%) cases while 12 (3.9%) patients had esophagitis. Gastroesophageal reflux disease accounted for 11 (3.5%) cases whereas esophageal ulcers occurred in 3 (1.0%) cases. Carcinoma of the esophagus and esophageal candidiasis each constituted 2 (0.6%) cases. The cause of bleeding was not found in 15 (4.8%) patients. Conclusion: PUD is the most common cause of upper GI bleeding in patients undergoing endoscopy in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, South-Southern Nigeria.