Factors related to upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage in Africans.
The aetiological factors in 84 patients with acute upper gastrointestinal tract(UGIT) haemorrhage were studied. Sixty of the patients (71.4%) were between their 3rd and 5th decades of life. Acute alcohol consumption and drugs are the commonest single or combined factors in 76 patients (90.5%). Twenty-four patients (28.6%) had previous episodes of UGIT haemorrhage. Antacids, (which are cheaper and preferred by most of the patients), are found to be as effective as H2-blockers. The need to educate the young adults on the dangers of alcohol, nicotine and indiscriminate use of drugs is stressed.
Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
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Atoba
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Olubuyide
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000863:Antacids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002927:Cimetidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015985:Precipitating Factors; D011899:Ranitidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000863:Antacids; D002927:Cimetidine; D011899:Ranitidine