Hospitalizations for Gastrointestinal Complications Declining in U.S.

Studies from multiple countries suggest that the incidence of hospitalization for upper gastrointestinal (UGI) complications has decreased during the last two decades. The data on lower gastrointestinal (LGI) complications are less clear. Some recent studies have omitted relevant diagnoses for GI complications, which prevents a complete and accurate assessment of data trends.

To better estimate time trends in rates of hospitalization and case fatalities from UGI and LGI complications (bleeding, perforation, and obstruction) between 2001 and 2009 in the U.S., investigators conducted an industry-sponsored study of a national hospital inpatient database.

The age- and sex-adjusted incidence of hospitalizations for all UGI and LGI complications de…