Etiological Profile Of Patients Presenting With Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding - A One Year Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and objectives Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a common clinical condition. The present study was undertaken to determine the etiological profile, among patients presenting with LGIB. Materials and methods This one year cross-sectional study was done from January 2015 to December 2015. Fifty patients presenting with lower gastro-intestinal bleeding in the Department of Medicine and Gastro-enterology, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belgaum were studied. All the patients underwent LGIscopy. Results Majority of the patients were males (62%) and male to female ratio was 1.63:1. The most common age group was 18 to 30 years (34%) and the mean age was 43.82±17.96 years. The most common clinical symptom was Haematochezia (bleeding per rectum) (80%) followed by constipation (76%), loss of weight (56%), Blood mixed with stool (50%). the most common medical history was diabetes mellitus (12%). Personal history of smoking was noted in 20% of the patients while 18% of the patients reported history of alcohol consumption. Majority of the patients (90%) of the patients reported history of mixed diet. Majority of the patients were moderately built and moderately nourished (98%). The most common clinical sign was pallor (48%). On LGIscopy, Internal haemorrhoids was diagnosed in 48% of the patients followed by ulcerative colitis in 24%. The most common diagnosis was Internal haemorrhoids (48%) followed by Idiopathic ulcerative colitis (24%) and Carcinoma colon (10%). Conclusion Internal hemorrhoids was the most common cause of lower GI bleed in the study area followed by ulcerative colitis. Though not common, carcinoma colon, solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, polyp, colonic diverticulosis, ischaemic colitis, non specific proctitis, and radiation proctitis are the other causes of LGIB.