Digestive Hemorrhages at Tengandogo University Hospital : Sociodemographic, Diagnostic, and Outcome Aspects

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Résumé

Introduction: Digestive hemorrhages represent a major gastroenterological emergency. In resource-limited settings, their
diagnostic evaluation and management remain challenging. The aim of this study was to describe the sociodemographic,
diagnostic, and outcome characteristics of digestive hemorrhages at the CHU of Tengandogo (CHUT) in Ouagadougou.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection based on the records of patients
admitted for digestive hemorrhage at CHUT. Patients aged 15 years and older who were admitted for digestive hemorrhage
between April 15, 2013, and September 14, 2023, were included. Sociodemographic, clinical, and endoscopic data were collected.
Results: Among 284 recorded cases, 215 were included. The mean age was 51.32 ± 18.28 years, with a male predominance
(77.2%); male-to-female ratio = 3.39). Upper gastrointestinal bleeding accounted for 63.3% (n = 136) and lower gastrointestinal
bleeding for 36.7% (n = 79). Hematemesis (37.2%) and hematochezia (43.3%) were the main forms of presentation. Upper
endoscopy primarily identified gastric ulcers (30.2%), duodenal ulcers (18.4%), and erosive gastropathy (22.1%). In lower
endoscopy, hemorrhoids were predominant (57.8%). The mortality rate was 4.65%.
Conclusion: Gastrointestinal bleeding mainly affects middle-aged adults, with a male predominance. The causes are dominated
by gastroduodenal ulcers and hemorrhoids. These results reflect the etiologic profile observed in other resource-limited settings
and highlight the importance of digestive endoscopy as a key diagnostic tool. A better understanding of the distribution of lesions
responsible for gastrointestinal bleeding can guide prevention strategies and the prioritization of healthcare resources in similar
contexts.

Mots-clés

Gastrointestinal bleeding, Endoscopy, Gastroduodenal ulcer, Hemorrhoids, Burkina