Varicose upper gastrointestinal: clinical and epidemiological profile

Abstract

Objective: To outline the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, with finding of varicose upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Methods: A descriptive, retrospective and transversal approach was carried out. We reviewed medical records of patients treated at a hospital between June 2021 and June 2023. For data analysis, an electronic spreadsheet was created on Excel®, where data were organized and tabulated. A descriptive statistical analysis and association measurement calculations were performed. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: The present study analyzed 31 patients, mostly men, aged 61 to 80, mainly diagnosed with systemic arterial hypertension. The alcoholic etiology for varicose veins was the most prevalent. On the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, it was seen that most of the varicose veins were large; red spots were seen and there were signs of hypertensive gastropathy. The final outcome of most patients was death secondary to upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Conclusion: We highlight the importance of quick identification and intervention in patients with varicose upper gastrointestinal bleeding, also emphasizing some methodological limitations. The findings reinforce the need for preventive strategies and treatment optimization in this population group.