Frecuencia de varices esofágicas como causa de hemorragia gastrointestinal alta en el servicio de urgencias del hgzmf n° 1. Pachuca, hidalgo en el periodo enero a diciembre 2023

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a common medical emergency that can be life-threatening. Its causes include esophageal varices, which represent a serious etiology commonly associated with portal hypertension in patients with chronic liver disease. Objective: To identify the frequency of esophageal varices as a cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients treated in the emergency department of the Hospital General de Zona con Medicina Familiar No. 1 (HGZMF No. 1), in Pachuca, Hidalgo, from January to December 2023. Methodology: An observational, retrospective, and descriptive study. The medical records of patients diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal bleeding treated in the emergency department during 2023 were reviewed. Cases whose cause was attributed to esophageal varices, confirmed by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, were identified. Results: Of a total of 65 clinical records of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding treated during the study period, 28 patients (43%) had esophageal varices as the primary cause. The majority were male, with a history of chronic liver disease. Initial management included hemodynamic stabilization, vasoactive agents, and endoscopic procedures. Conclusions: Esophageal varices represent a major cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the emergency department. Timely recognition allows for rapid intervention and reduces morbidity and mortality. This study highlights the need for standardized protocols for the care of these cases in secondary care units.