Evaluation of the relationship between D-dimer levels and endoscopic findings of patients with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage relationship between D-dimer levels and endoscopic findings of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage

Abstract

Aim: Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is the most common reason for admission to the emergency department, and, despite technological advances, mortality is still high. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between endoscopic findings and D-Dimer in patients presenting with suspected upper GI bleeding.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional descriptive study included all patients who met the inclusion criteria for patients with GI bleeding who applied to the Department of Emergency Medicine between August 15, 201 6 and February 15, 2017. Demographic characteristics, history, D-dimer and endoscopy were evaluated. Significance was evaluated at p<0.05.

Results: Among the 90 patients included in the study, 61.1% were male (n=55) and 38.9% were female (n=35). While there was a statistically significant difference between the systolic blood pressure measurements and the stages according to the Forrest classification (p=0.020); no difference was found between the other vital findings and the stages. There was no statistically significant difference in mean D-Dimer levels or D-Dimer limit values between the patients with and without a history of GI hemorrhage or hospital admission (p> 0.05). No statistical difference was found between D-Dimer mean values and limit values and the stages according to Forrest classification (p>0.05).

Discussion: In the study, there was no relationship between the endoscopic findings (Forrest classification stage I, II, III) and the increased D-Dimer levels.