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.
Atoba
M A
MA
Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Olubuyide
I O
IO
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