The mortality of bleeding esophageal varices in a private university hospital.

The mortality of patients with bleeding esophageal varices was studied in a private hospital where the modalities of treatment are considered optimal. Of the sixty-two patients in the study, twenty (32 per cent) died. Mortality was higher (p is less than 0.02) for those who had ascites or bilirubin more than 5 mg/dl, albumin less than 3 gm/dl, prothrombin time more than 4 seconds of control, or blood transfusions of more than 5 liters. The lower mortality in this study as compared with other studies among indigent population is the result of either private patients having less severe liver disease or having more effective care of both.