Upper GI bleeding among neonates admitted to Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda: a prospective cohort study

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) reports estimate that 85% of newborn deaths are due to infections,prematurity and fetal distress. These conditions are risk factors for upper GI bleeding (UGIB) in sick neonates. UGIB is associated with poor neonatal outcomes such as prolonged hospitalisation and poor weight gain. The magnitude of UGIB and its contribution to neonatal morbidity has not been described in most low income countries.
Objective: To determine the occurrence and factors associated with UGIB among neonates admitted to the Special Care Unit (SCU) of Mulago Hospital.
Methods: This was a prospective single cohort study where neonates admitted within 24 hours of birth were consecutively enrolled and followed up for seven days. Gastric aspirates from the neonates were examined daily over a period of 7 days using Guaiac and Apt tests for evidence of UGIB. Data on occurrence of UGIB has been presented as proportions and Odds Ratios for associated factors.
Results: Out of 191 neonates, 44 (23 %) developed UGIB. Factors independently associated with UGIB included cyanosis in the neonate [OR 5.8; (95% CI; 1.8 – 19.1) p-value 0.004], neonatal seizures [OR 12.6; (95% CI 2.3 – 70.5); p-value 0.004]and birth asphyxia [OR 6.3; (95% CI 1.9 – 21.6); p-value 0.003].
Conclusions: In the first seven days of life, UGIB occurred in 1:4 neonates. Factors independently associated with UGIB included birth asphyxia, cyanosis in the neonate and neonatal seizures.