VOLUME 26 ISSUES 1 | 2024

Exploring Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes of Gastrointestinal Bleeding Leading to Decreased Hematocrit and Blood Transfusion Requirement: A Retrospective Analysis

1Abu Bakar, 2Dr Ammara Zia, 3Kashaf Munir, 4Hammad Ali, 5Mohib Ali, 6Dr Farnaz Ali, 7Kashif Lodhi

1Department Medicine – PEMH (as house officer / intern), Pak Emirates Military Hospital and CMH Rawalpindi
2Cath lab and cardiac surgery, hospital muzaffarabad Azad Kashmir
3Divisional headquarter and teaching hospital mirpur AJK
4PIMS, Islamabad
5PIMS, Islamabad
6Medical officer DHQ Bhimber.
7Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences. Università Politécnica delle Marche Via Brecce Bianche 10, 60131 Ancona (AN) Italy

ABSTRACT
Background: Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a significant medical concern associated with various risk factors and potential complications, including decreased hematocrit levels requiring blood transfusions. Understanding the risk factors and clinical outcomes associated with GIB is crucial for effective management and intervention strategies.
Aim: This retrospective analysis aimed to explore the risk factors associated with GIB and evaluate the clinical outcomes, particularly focusing on decreased hematocrit levels requiring blood transfusions.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on data collected from patient records spanning from December 2022 to December 2023. A total of 120 patients with confirmed GIB were included in the study. Relevant demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected and analyzed to identify risk factors associated with GIB and assess clinical outcomes, including the requirement for blood transfusions due to decreased hematocrit levels.
Results: The analysis revealed several significant risk factors associated with GIB, including advanced age, comorbidities such as peptic ulcer disease and liver cirrhosis, and the use of anticoagulant medications. Furthermore, decreased hematocrit levels were observed in a substantial proportion of patients, leading to the requirement for blood transfusions. Clinical outcomes varied depending on the severity and etiology of GIB, with certain subgroups experiencing higher rates of complications and longer hospital stays.
Conclusion: This retrospective analysis provides valuable insights into the risk factors and clinical outcomes of GIB leading to decreased hematocrit levels and blood transfusion requirements. Identification of these factors is essential for risk stratification, early intervention, and improved patient management strategies in clinical practice.
Keywords: Gastrointestinal bleeding, Hematocrit, Blood transfusion, Risk factors, Clinical outcomes, Retrospective analysis.