1 Post Graduate Resident, Department of General Medicine, School of Medical Sciences and Research (SMS&R), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. Email: gakhar.manik@gmail.com
2 Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine, School of Medical Sciences and Research (SMS&R), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. Email: abhideep.333@gmail.com
3* Professor & Head, Department of General Medicine, School of Medical Sciences and Research (SMS&R), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. (Corresponding Author) Email: deepak.sharma4@sharda.ac.in
4 Post Graduate Resident, Department of General Medicine, School of Medical Sciences and Research (SMS&R), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. Email: jaydesai67065@gmail.com
5 Post Graduate Resident, Department of General Medicine, School of Medical Sciences and Research (SMS&R), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. Email: akash77580@gmail.com
Received: 20th Feb, 2026 | Revised: 4th Mar, 2026 | Accepted: 25th Mar, 2026 | Available Online: 10th Apr, 2026
Background: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) remains a significant medical emergency with considerable morbidity and mortality. The etiological spectrum and outcomes vary geographically, with developing regions showing a higher burden of variceal bleeding due to chronic liver disease. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical profile, endoscopic findings, risk factors, and outcomes of UGIB in a tertiary care center in Northern India.
Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 145 adult patients presenting with hematemesis and/or melena between April 2024 and November 2025. Clinical details, risk factors, laboratory parameters, Rockall scores, endoscopic findings, and outcomes were recorded. Patients were also categorized based on timing of endoscopy (early ≤1 day vs delayed >1 day). Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate parametric and non-parametric tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant.
Results: The mean age was 51.55 ± 15.01 years, with male predominance (69%). Melena (72.4%) was more common than hematemesis (51.7%). Alcohol consumption (61.38%) and smoking (59.31%) were the most frequent risk factors. Variceal bleeding was the predominant etiology (71.72%), followed by peptic ulcer disease (22.75%). Patients with variceal bleeding had significantly lower hemoglobin, platelet counts, and serum albumin, along with higher PT/INR (p < 0.05). Mortality was low (~2%) but significantly associated with hemodynamic instability and low hemoglobin. Higher Rockall scores were significantly associated with rebleeding (p = 0.0005) and mortality (p = 0.017). Early endoscopy was associated with reduced mortality (0% vs 3.65%, p = 0.048) and rebleeding (p = 0.003).
Conclusion: UGIB in this setting predominantly affects middle-aged males and is largely driven by variceal bleeding related to chronic liver disease. Early endoscopy and risk stratification using Rockall score significantly improve outcomes. Public health strategies targeting alcohol-related liver disease and strengthening early endoscopic services are essential.
Keywords: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding; Variceal bleeding; Endoscopy; Rockall score; Liver cirrhosis; Risk factors; Rebleeding; Mortality; India.
How to cite this article: Gakhar M, Deepak A, Sharma D, Manharlal DJ, Bharadkar A. Clinical and Endoscopic Profile of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleed in Tertiary Care Hospital in Northern India. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(23s):1048-1054. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.23s.114
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.