Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) increased in active upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The relationship between BUN and endoscopic pattern is not fully investigated.

From January 2001 to October 2004, 157 (male/female, 123/34; mean age 69.3 years) were admitted to our hospital because of signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (hemathe-mesis and/or melaena). At admission to the Emergency Department, haemodynamics parameters (cardiac rate, arterial pressure) and laboratory blood tests (complete blood count, creatinine, electrolyte, BUN, albumin) were measured. All patients underwent endoscopy within 8 hours and Forrest's criteria for gastrointestinal bleeding were used: F1, active bleeding; F2, signs of recent bleeding (clot); F3, healing ulcer. During hospitalization, the history, past treatment, haemotransfusion, rebleeding and surgical treatment were also recorded. Data were analyzed in a statistical manner and t tests for unpaired data and univariate analysis were performed.

BUN levels and the BUN/creatinine ratio correlate with Forrest's different ulcer patterns. These could identify patients who need an early endoscopic evaluation and more intensive treatment.