Exploring Risk Factors and Management Strategies for Gastrointestinal Bleeding Leading to Reduced Hematocrit and Blood Transfusion Requirement
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Keywords
Gastrointestinal bleeding, hematocrit, blood product transfusion, risk factors, retrospective study, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding poses a significant clinical challenge, often necessitating blood product transfusion due to decreased hematocrit levels. Identifying risk factors associated with this complication is critical for timely interference and enhanced patient results.
Aim: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the risk factors contributing to GI bleeding, resulting in decreased hematocrit levels and requiring blood product transfusion among patients acknowledged to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, during the period of January 2022 to December 2022.
Methods: A sample size of 120 patients was included in the study. Relevant clinical data, including patient demographics, medical history, presenting symptoms, laboratory findings, endoscopic findings, and management approaches, were extracted from medical records. Statistical analysis, including logistic regression, was achieved to recognize substantial risk factors associated with GI bleeding leading to decreased hematocrit and necessitating blood product transfusion.
Results: Among the 120 patients included in the study, several risk factors were identified to remain significantly related with GI bleeding leading to decreased hematocrit and requiring blood product transfusion. These factors included advanced age, history of peptic ulcer disease, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, coagulopathy, and comorbidities such as liver cirrhosis and chronic kidney disease.
Conclusion: Our study underscores significance of identifying and addressing numerous risk factors related through GI bleeding leading to decreased hematocrit levels and necessitating blood product transfusion. Early identification of these risk factors can facilitate prompt management strategies, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality associated with this complication
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