A Comparative Study of Variceal and Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Prospective Study

Asst. Prof. Saram Ouk, Asst. Prof. Ong Chea, Dr. Channa Sann, Assoc. Prof. Aklinn Nhem, Dr. Tith Khem, Asst. Prof. Sokun Tan, Prof. Sereyvichith Om, Asst. Prof. Khuy Ich

Abstract: This prospective study analyzed 320 patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) to compare variceal (VUGIB) and nonvariceal (NVUGIB) cases. No significant sex - based differences were found (p=0.6), but the mean age of NVUGIB patients was significantly higher (p=0.01). While hematemesis and melena were similar between groups, rectal bleeding, hematemesis with rectal bleeding, and chronic anemia were significantly different (p=0.007, p=0.02, and p=0.01, respectively). Endoscopic findings indicated that cirrhosis was more common in VUGIB patients (95.48% vs.12.72%, p<0.0001), whereas NSAID use was higher in NVUGIB patients (46.66% vs.0%, p<0.0001). The clinical outcomes, including discharge and rebleeding rates, were not significantly different (p=0.13). These findings highlight the need for early identification and targeted management of high - risk UGIB patients.

Keywords: Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, endoscopy, cirrhosis, NSAIDs, gastroenterology