Analysis of 3,294 cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in military medical facilities.

Abstract

We conclude: 1) The incidence of UGIB is 2-fold greater in males than in females, in all age groups; however, the death rate is similar in both sexes. 2) The mortality rate in this study is slightly lower than in most previous studies and may be more reflective of the average mortality in the community at large. 3) In UGIB patients, comorbid illness and not actual bleeding is the major cause of death. 4) Upper endoscopy was performed less often in this study than in other studies, and there were fewer blood transfusions; however, rebleeding and mortality rates remained similar.