Evaluation of the Prognostic Significance of Various Factors in Massive Ulcer Haemorrhage

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to evaluate, in a selected group of massively bleeding ulcer patients, the prognostic significance of a series of easily recognizable factors, all of which have been ascribed a decisive importance. These factors were: Complicating diseases, passage of red or chemically changed black blood, age and sex of the patients, and site of the ulcer, whether in the stomach or duodenum. Thereally important factorsconveyinga poor prognosis were found to be: presence of complicating diseases and passage of red blood orally or per rectum. Age and sex of the patients and site of the ulcer were factors of only apparent importance. Any difference in mortality between subgroups of patients separated after these criteria was explained by unequal distribution of patients with complicating diseases and red haemorrhage. No evidence was found for the belief that elderly patients bleed more severely than younger patients.

Further Haemorrhage after Admission to Hospital for Gastrointestinal Haemorrhage

“…and was of only minor significance among those who did; this finding is at variance with some commonly held opinions (Cammock et al, 1963;Andersen et al, 1968 It is well known that the risks of serious complications and death are greater in gastric than in duodenal ulcer. The incidence of F.H.…”

Gastric Arteriosclerosis in Elderly People

“…The first point, that the severity of bleeding increases with growing age, has been challenged (Aldman & Wallensten 1956, Gardner & Baronofsky 1959, Palumbo & Sharpe 1967, Andersen, Klebe & Nielsen 1968, and the second point, which implies that gastric arteriosclerosis should be a common phenomenon among older people, has not been proven.…”