title: Epidemiology and diagnosis of acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
abstract: Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common gastroenterological emergency. A vast majority of these bleeds have nonvariceal causes, in particular gastroduodenal peptic ulcers. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, low-dose aspirin use, and Helicobacter pylori infection are the main risk factors for UGIB. Current epidemiologic data suggest that patients most affected are older with medical comorbidit. Widespread use of potentially gastroerosive medications underscores the importance of adopting gastroprotective pharamacologic strategies. Endoscopy is the mainstay for diagnosis and treatment of acute UGIB. It should be performed within 24 hours of presentation by skilled operators in adequately equipped settings, using a multidisciplinary team approach.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology & Digestive Endoscopy, Hospital Maresca, ASLNA3sud, Via Montedoro, Torre del Greco 80059, Italy. Electronic address: gianluca.rotondano@virgilio.it.
authors.forename: Gianluca
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rotondano
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D001241:Aspirin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004378:Duodenal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D013272:Stomach Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D001241:Aspirin
keywords: Diagnosis; Endoscopy; Epidemiology; Nonvariceal bleeding; Peptic ulcer; Risk factors; Timing