TITLE:
Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Cross-Sectional Study in Two Referral Hospitals in the City of Douala, Cameroon
AUTHORS:
Winnie Tatiana Bekolo Nga, Marina Bidjogo épse Gwet, Charifa Njoya, Olga Machekam épse Matanga, Guy Roger Djapa Senga, Galdima Mohamadou, Eric Pascal Tchoumi Leuwat, Christian Tzeuton, Firmin Ankouane Andoulo, Henry Luma Namme, Dominique Noah Noah, Oudou Njoya, Elie Claude Ndjitoyap Ndam, Servais Albert Fiacre Eloumou Bagnaka
KEYWORDS:
Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Prevalence, Prognosis, Cameroon
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Gastroenterology,
Vol.16 No.11,
November
12,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a frequent reason for consultation in gastroenterology. Often underestimated by patients and carrying a social stigma, these bleedings can be associated with severe pathologies. This study aimed to evaluate the burden of gastrointestinal bleeding within our hospital setting and to identify factors associated with patient prognosis. Methodology: This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted across two reference hospitals in the city of Douala. We included patients presenting with clinical or paraclinical signs of lower gastrointestinal bleeding and an endoscopic lesion distal to the ligament of Treitz that accounted for the bleeding. The collected data encompassed clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic, and prognostic variables. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 23.0. Results: We reviewed 847 patient records, among which 195 had lower gastrointestinal bleeding, yielding a prevalence of 23%. We included 108 patient records that were complete. The mean age was 48.9 ± 18.5 years. There were 63 men and 45 women. The mean time to consultation was 6.9 ± 9.8 days and the main clinical sign was hematochezia (80.6%). The main lesions were hemorrhoidal disease (47.2%), diverticular disease (25%), malignant tumors (16.7%), colitis (14.8%), and polyps (9.3%). The mean length of hospital stay was 4.8 ± 2.4 days. The mean Oakland score was 11.8 ± 4.2. The mortality and rebleeding rates were 6.5% and 14.8%, respectively. Factors significantly associated with death were: age > 65 years (adjusted OR [aOR] = 3.2; 95% CI [1.2 - 8.1]; p = 0.018); ICU admission (aOR = 8.6; 95% CI [3.2 - 22.9]; p 10 (aOR = 3.5; 95% CI [1.1 - 10.8]; p = 0.032); rebleeding (aOR = 4.1; 95% CI [1.5 - 11.4]; p = 0.006), receiving > 2 units of PRBCs (aOR = 2.8; 95% CI [1 - 7.4]; p = 0.046). Conclusion: Lower gastrointestinal bleeding demonstrated a prevalence of 23%. Mortality was 6.5%, with outcomes being closely linked to patient age, hemodynamic stability, and initial care.