Factors identifying the probability of further haemorrhage after acute upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage

Abstract

Ninety-five (24 per cent) of 389 admissions with acute upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage had further haemorrhage. An analysis of factors leading to further haemorrhage was undertaken by considering patients' clinical history, physical state on admission and endoscopic findings. The risk of further haemorrhage was significantly greater in patients bleeding from oesophageal varices or peptic ulcer and in those patients who were sober, shocked or anaemic on admission. Overall, those over 60 years of age were more likely to rebleed, but this difference was not apparent in relation to endoscopic source of blood loss.