Predictors of non-significant endoscopic findings in patients with suspected upper gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the present study was to determine pre-endoscopic predictive factors of non-significant endoscopic findings in patients with suspected upper gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage (UGIH). Material and Method: Medical records of 187 patients admitted with the primary diagnosis of UGIH were reviewed. Non-significant endoscopic findings were defined as "normal", "mild gastritis" or unspecified gastritis with a hospital stay of two days or less. Possible predictors of non-significant endoscopic findings included pertinent history, physical examination, nasogastric tube aspirate, routine laboratory findings, and units of infused packed red cells (PRC). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine significant predictors. Results: Predictors of non-significant endoscopic findings included the absence of comorbid diseases (OR: 6.4; 95%CI: 3.0-13.6), higher platelet count (OR: 1.7 per 100,000 increase; 95%CI: 1.1-2.5) and less PRC infusion (OR: 1.9 per unit decrease; 95%CI: 1.3-2.7). Conclusion: Patients with UGIH who may have a negative EGD can be identified prior to endoscopy.