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Dimitrios Karamitsos

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Πτυχιούχος Ιατρικής Σχολής ΑΠΘ 1965. Εργάσθηκε στα Νοσοκομεία ΑΧΕΠΑ και Ιπποκράτειο Θεσσαλονίκης. Υπότροφος του ΙΚΥ στο Λονδίνο 1974-1975. Διδάκτωρ ΑΠΘ 1978. Ίδρυσε το Διαβητολογικό Κέντρο του Ιπποκράτειου Νοσοκομείου Θεσσαλονίκης. Διευθυντής Α' Προπαιδευτικής Παθολογικής Κλινικής ΑΧΕΠΑ 2004-2008. Νυν ομότιμος καθηγητής ΑΠΘ. Δημοσίευσε 6 ιατρικά βιβλία και 3 λογοτεχνικά. Ασχολείται με τη συγγραφή "Νεότερης Ελληνικής Ιστορίας (1897-2000)".
Εκδοθέντα βιβλία του Δημ. Καραμήτσου

Ιατρικά
1. Σακχαρώδης Διαβήτης. Παθογένεια, Διάγνωση, Θεραπεία, Επιπλοκαί. Εκδ. Αλ. Σιώκης, Θεσσαλονίκη 1976.
2. Σακχαρώδης Διαβήτης (φοιτητικές σημειώσεις). Εκδ. Univ. Studio Press, Θεσσαλονίκη 1986.
3. Σακχαρώδης Διαβήτης. Από τη θεωρία στην πράξη. Εκδ. Αλ. Σιώκης, Θεσσαλονίκη 1987.
4. Διαβητολογία. Θεωρία και πρακτική στην αντιμετώπιση του σακχαρώδη δια-βήτη. Εκδ. Σιώκης, Θεσσαλονίκη 2000.
5. Κλινική εξέταση και διάγνωση (επιμ. μετά των Μ. Σιών και Γ. Γιαννόγλου). Εκδ. Univ. Studio Press, Θεσσαλονίκη 2007.
6. Διαβητολογία. Θεωρία και πρακτική στην αντιμετώπιση του σακχαρώδη δια-βήτη. 2η αναθεωρημένη έκδοση. Εκδ. Σιώκης, Αθήνα 2009.

Μη Ιατρικά
1. Χρονογραφήματα ενός γιατρού. Εκδ. Univ. Studio Press, Θεσσαλονίκη 2001.
2. Η πόλη μας κι εμείς άλλοτε και τώρα. Θεσσαλονίκη 1941-2005. Εκδ. Univ. Studio Press, Θεσσαλονίκη 2005.
3. Οικογένεια Μπαρλαμπά (Μυθιστόρημα). Εκδ. Univ. Studio Press, Θεσσαλονίκη 2010.

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Papers by Dimitrios Karamitsos

Effects of Improving Glycemic Control with Insulin on Leptin, Adiponectin, Ghrelin and Neuropeptidey Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Pilot Study

The Open Cardiovascular Medicine Journal, 2011

Public Health and Potential Complications of Novel Fashion Accessories: An Unusual Foreign Body in the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract of an Adolescent

Central European Journal of Public Health, 2007

Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Elderly and Over-Aged Ischemic Stroke Patients. The Role of Diabetes Mellitus

Atherosclerosis Supplements, 2008

Metabolic effects of rosiglitazone and metformin in Greek patients with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes

In vivo (Athens, Greece)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the comparative effects of rosiglitazone and metformin on m... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the comparative effects of rosiglitazone and metformin on metabolic parameters in recently diagnosed type 2 Greek diabetic patients. A total of 41 drug-naive individuals, with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes, were randomized in 3 groups: DIET, diet alone; ROSI, diet plus rosiglitazone; and MET, diet plus metformin. Anthropometric indexes, blood pressure, hematological and biochemical parameters were estimated at baseline and after 18 weeks of treatment. We observed a significant decrease of fasting glucose (FBG) (p<0.001), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (ROSI: p=0.001, MET: p<0.001), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (ROSI: p=0.006, MET: p =0.009) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) (ROSI: p=0.004, MET: p=0.003) in both ROSI and MET groups. Metformin significantly reduced fasting insulin (p=0.04), body weight (p=0.026), body mass index (BMI) (p=0.022), waist circumference (p=0.022) and gamma glutamyl trans...

Colonic toxicity of antidepressants: an unusual case of a 48-year-old patient with transient ischemic colitis

International Journal of Colorectal Disease, 2006

The effect of folic acid supplementation on carotid intima-media thickness in patients with cardiovascular risk: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial

International Journal of Cardiology, 2010

Effect of various treatments on leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin and neuropeptide Y in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets, 2011

Several peptides are involved in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure, among whic... more Several peptides are involved in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure, among which are leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin and neuropeptide Y (NPY). These peptides may be implicated in the obesity seen in the majority of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present review considers: i) the role of leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin and NPY in patients with T2DM, and, ii) the effect of insulin as well as oral hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, antiobesity and antiplatelet agents on these peptides in patients with T2DM. Patients with T2DM have either lower or similar leptin levels, decreased adiponectin and ghrelin levels, and increased NPY circulating levels compared with nondiabetic controls. Treatment with insulin, oral hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, antiobesity and antiplatelet drugs may influence the levels of these peptides. It is not widely appreciated that several drugs commonly administered to patients with T2DM can influence adipokine levels. The clinical relevance of these effects needs to be evaluated.

Parathyroid crisis as first manifestation of primary hyperparathyroidism

European Journal of Internal Medicine, 2007

Evaluation of use of proton pump inhibitors in Greece

European Journal of Internal Medicine, 2009

The story of insulin discovery

Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 2011

The natural history of recently diagnosed autonomic neuropathy over a period of 2 years

Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 1998

Η αντιστασιακή δράση στην Κρήτη 1941-1943

Οι άντρες της Κρήτης με μεγάλη παλικαριά αντιμετώπισαν σε σειρά από αντιστασιακές ενέργειες τα γε... more Οι άντρες της Κρήτης με μεγάλη παλικαριά αντιμετώπισαν σε σειρά από αντιστασιακές ενέργειες τα γερμανικά στρατεύματα Κατοχής. Δυο φορές έκαναν σαμποτάζ στο αεροδρόμιο του Καστελίου. Με επικεφαλής τον Πάτρικ Λη Φέρμορ απήγαγαν τον στρατηγό διοικητή Κράιπε. Πολλοί Κρητικοί εκτελέστηκαν σε αντίποινα από τους Γερμανούς και πολλά χωριά κάηκαν .Οι αντιστασιακές οργανώσεις της Κρήτης δεν ενεπλάκησαν σε εμφύλιες διαμάχες όπως συνέβη στην υπόλοιπη Ελλάδα.

Adipokines and Vascular Risk in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

by John Yovos and Dimitrios Karamitsos

Angiology, 2011

Γενοκτονία των Ελλήνων Εβραίων κατά τη Γερμανική Κατοχή έως το 1944

Οι Έλληνες Εβραίοι υπέστησαν γενοκτονία σύμφωνα με τα σχέδια των ναζιστών μέχρι και λίγο πριν να ... more

Γενοκτονία Ποντίων

Από το 1914 άρχισε και ολοκληρώθηκε το 1923 η ποντιακή γενοκτονία. Ο Γερμανός στρατηγός Ότο Λίμαν... more Από το 1914 άρχισε και ολοκληρώθηκε το 1923 η ποντιακή γενοκτονία. Ο Γερμανός στρατηγός Ότο Λίμαν φον Σάντερς ήταν ο εμπνευστής της. Οι Οθωμανοί Τούρκοι εφάρμοσαν μια άμεση μέθοδο φόνων και μια έμμεση. Η άμεση ήταν δολοφονίες και εκτελέσεις με απαγχονισμούς ή τουφεκισμούς με συμμετοχή του κράτους ή των ατάκτων . Η έμμεση ήταν με τα τάγματα εργασίας όπου υπηρετούσαν άοπλοι Έλληνες της Τουρκίας και πέθαιναν από τις κακουχίες, την έλλειψη τροφής και τις κακές συνθήκες καταναγκαστικής εργασίας και πορειών. Έτσι εξολοθρεύτηκαν πάνω από 350.000 άτομα.Έχουν βρεθεί διαταγές του τουρκικού επιτελείου που διατάζουν εξόντωση των αρρένων Ρωμιών από βρεφικής ηλικίας έως γεροντικής. Αυτά τα γεγονότα αποτελούν σύμφωνα με τα διεθνή κρατούντα γενοκτονία.

EFFECT OF ORAL FOLATE SUPPLEMENTATION ON CAROTID INTIMA-MEDIA THICKNESS (PRIMARY RESULTS)

by Dimitrios Karamitsos and Αγαπάκης Δημήτρης

Atherosclerosis Supplements, 2008

Atypical petechial rash of the lower extremities due to Parvovirus B19 infection

International Journal of Dermatology, 2008

Portal hypertension caused by acute cytomegalovirus infection with liver involvement in an immunocompetent patient

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2007

Primary infection by cytomegalovirus in immunocompetent patients is usually unapparent. We report... more Primary infection by cytomegalovirus in immunocompetent patients is usually unapparent. We report a case of severe acute cytomegalovirus infection in a young immunocompetent male with pulmonary and hepatic involvement and portal hypertension who recovered without specific antiviral therapy with complete resolution of sonographic signs of portal hypertension after 6 months.

Inflammatory cytokines in insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes

Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 2008

An association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and inflammation has been described in several st... more An association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and inflammation has been described in several studies. The aim of this study was to search for the presence of low-grade inflammation in a special group of insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes, and to investigate a possible correlation between inflammation and obesity, glucose homeostasis and insulin requirement (IU insulin/kg body weight, BW). We studied 85 subjects with type 2 diabetes that were receiving insulin treatment (group A) and 32 receiving sulfonylurea treatment (group B), and 57 subjects without diabetes (group C). Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and the soluble TNF-alpha receptors sTNFR-60 and sTNFR-80 were measured in serum samples taken from all patients. The mean serum cytokine levels in group A vs. group B were: IL-6, 8.54+/-11 vs. 2.71+/-1.9 pg/ml (p=0.000); TNF-alpha, 14.33+/-24 vs. 5.12+/-15 pg/ml (p=0.016); sTNFR60, 3.9+/-2.8 vs. 2.36+/-1.4 ng/ml (p=0.000); and sTNFR80, 11.9+/-7 vs. 9.4+/-6 ng/ml (p=0.080). The mean serum cytokine levels in group A vs. group C were: IL-6, 8.54+/-11 vs. 4.74+/-7 pg/ml (p=0.017); TNF-alpha, 14.33+/-24 vs. 5.94+/-3.4 pg/ml (p=0.003); sTNFR60, 3.9+/-2.8 vs. 2.54+/-1.4 ng/ml (p=0.000); and sTNFR80, 11.9+/-7 vs. 10.85+/-8 ng/ml (p=0.470). A positive association between waist circumference and IL-6 (r=0.165, p=0.030) and sTNFR-60 (r=0.276, p=0.000) was detected. A significant correlation coefficient was observed between haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and both IL-6 (r=0.278, p=0.000) and sTNFR-60 (r=0.293, p=0.000), when the groups were studied as one. No correlation between inflammation and units of insulin/kg BW was found. In conclusion, low-grade chronic inflammation, as estimated by the relative levels of inflammatory cytokines, was present in patients with type 2 diabetes that were receiving insulin treatment, with significantly higher cytokine levels recorded compared to sulfonylurea-treated patients. In addition, an association between inflammation and both obesity and glucose homeostasis was detected.

Incidence and etiology of acute non-malignant upper gastrointestinal bleeding in northern Greece

Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2007

To evaluate the incidence and etiology of acute non-malignant upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AN... more To evaluate the incidence and etiology of acute non-malignant upper gastrointestinal bleeding (ANMUGIB) in northern Greece due to increased use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including low-dose aspirin (L-A), exposure and geographical variability of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) seroprevalence. A retrospective study of 110 patients admitted for hematemesis or melena during a 6-month period. All patients had undergone a gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy during hospitalization. The presence of Hp was identified by biopsies and a (13)C-urea breath test in the case of Hp(-) biopsy bleeding peptic ulcer (BPU). The activity of ANMUGIB was assessed according to Forrest&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s classification. Statistical analysis was made by the chi(2)-test and Yates&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; correction. Most patients were in the two medium age groups with no significant difference between them (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001). NSAID or L-A (100 mg/day) use was reported in 42.73% of patients in a ratio 1:1 (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.1) and Hp infection was found in 29.09% of patients. BPU, with approximately two-thirds in the bulb, erosions and varices were the most frequent sources. Hp infection was found in 60.65% of BPU, 65.57% were related to NSAIDs or L-A and 8.19% were non-Hp non-NSAID/L-A BPU. Flat spots were most commonly found with a significant difference (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001) to other stigmata of recent bleeding, except for clean base. In northern Greece, persons aged over 40 years are prone to ANMUGIB with a non-significant relationship to males. Hp infection and medication use, such as NSAIDS and L-A, are deeply involved in its etiology. Non-Hp non-NSAID/L-A BPU are a small proportion. ANMUGIB seems to have a generally good prognosis.

Effects of Improving Glycemic Control with Insulin on Leptin, Adiponectin, Ghrelin and Neuropeptidey Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Pilot Study

The Open Cardiovascular Medicine Journal, 2011

Public Health and Potential Complications of Novel Fashion Accessories: An Unusual Foreign Body in the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract of an Adolescent

Central European Journal of Public Health, 2007

Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Elderly and Over-Aged Ischemic Stroke Patients. The Role of Diabetes Mellitus

Atherosclerosis Supplements, 2008

Metabolic effects of rosiglitazone and metformin in Greek patients with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes

In vivo (Athens, Greece)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the comparative effects of rosiglitazone and metformin on m... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the comparative effects of rosiglitazone and metformin on metabolic parameters in recently diagnosed type 2 Greek diabetic patients. A total of 41 drug-naive individuals, with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes, were randomized in 3 groups: DIET, diet alone; ROSI, diet plus rosiglitazone; and MET, diet plus metformin. Anthropometric indexes, blood pressure, hematological and biochemical parameters were estimated at baseline and after 18 weeks of treatment. We observed a significant decrease of fasting glucose (FBG) (p<0.001), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (ROSI: p=0.001, MET: p<0.001), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (ROSI: p=0.006, MET: p =0.009) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) (ROSI: p=0.004, MET: p=0.003) in both ROSI and MET groups. Metformin significantly reduced fasting insulin (p=0.04), body weight (p=0.026), body mass index (BMI) (p=0.022), waist circumference (p=0.022) and gamma glutamyl trans...

Colonic toxicity of antidepressants: an unusual case of a 48-year-old patient with transient ischemic colitis

International Journal of Colorectal Disease, 2006

The effect of folic acid supplementation on carotid intima-media thickness in patients with cardiovascular risk: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial

International Journal of Cardiology, 2010

Effect of various treatments on leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin and neuropeptide Y in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets, 2011

Several peptides are involved in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure, among whic... more Several peptides are involved in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure, among which are leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin and neuropeptide Y (NPY). These peptides may be implicated in the obesity seen in the majority of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present review considers: i) the role of leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin and NPY in patients with T2DM, and, ii) the effect of insulin as well as oral hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, antiobesity and antiplatelet agents on these peptides in patients with T2DM. Patients with T2DM have either lower or similar leptin levels, decreased adiponectin and ghrelin levels, and increased NPY circulating levels compared with nondiabetic controls. Treatment with insulin, oral hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, antiobesity and antiplatelet drugs may influence the levels of these peptides. It is not widely appreciated that several drugs commonly administered to patients with T2DM can influence adipokine levels. The clinical relevance of these effects needs to be evaluated.

Parathyroid crisis as first manifestation of primary hyperparathyroidism

European Journal of Internal Medicine, 2007

Evaluation of use of proton pump inhibitors in Greece

European Journal of Internal Medicine, 2009

The story of insulin discovery

Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 2011

The natural history of recently diagnosed autonomic neuropathy over a period of 2 years

Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 1998

Η αντιστασιακή δράση στην Κρήτη 1941-1943

Οι άντρες της Κρήτης με μεγάλη παλικαριά αντιμετώπισαν σε σειρά από αντιστασιακές ενέργειες τα γε... more Οι άντρες της Κρήτης με μεγάλη παλικαριά αντιμετώπισαν σε σειρά από αντιστασιακές ενέργειες τα γερμανικά στρατεύματα Κατοχής. Δυο φορές έκαναν σαμποτάζ στο αεροδρόμιο του Καστελίου. Με επικεφαλής τον Πάτρικ Λη Φέρμορ απήγαγαν τον στρατηγό διοικητή Κράιπε. Πολλοί Κρητικοί εκτελέστηκαν σε αντίποινα από τους Γερμανούς και πολλά χωριά κάηκαν .Οι αντιστασιακές οργανώσεις της Κρήτης δεν ενεπλάκησαν σε εμφύλιες διαμάχες όπως συνέβη στην υπόλοιπη Ελλάδα.

Adipokines and Vascular Risk in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

by John Yovos and Dimitrios Karamitsos

Angiology, 2011

Γενοκτονία των Ελλήνων Εβραίων κατά τη Γερμανική Κατοχή έως το 1944

Οι Έλληνες Εβραίοι υπέστησαν γενοκτονία σύμφωνα με τα σχέδια των ναζιστών μέχρι και λίγο πριν να ... more

Γενοκτονία Ποντίων

Από το 1914 άρχισε και ολοκληρώθηκε το 1923 η ποντιακή γενοκτονία. Ο Γερμανός στρατηγός Ότο Λίμαν... more Από το 1914 άρχισε και ολοκληρώθηκε το 1923 η ποντιακή γενοκτονία. Ο Γερμανός στρατηγός Ότο Λίμαν φον Σάντερς ήταν ο εμπνευστής της. Οι Οθωμανοί Τούρκοι εφάρμοσαν μια άμεση μέθοδο φόνων και μια έμμεση. Η άμεση ήταν δολοφονίες και εκτελέσεις με απαγχονισμούς ή τουφεκισμούς με συμμετοχή του κράτους ή των ατάκτων . Η έμμεση ήταν με τα τάγματα εργασίας όπου υπηρετούσαν άοπλοι Έλληνες της Τουρκίας και πέθαιναν από τις κακουχίες, την έλλειψη τροφής και τις κακές συνθήκες καταναγκαστικής εργασίας και πορειών. Έτσι εξολοθρεύτηκαν πάνω από 350.000 άτομα.Έχουν βρεθεί διαταγές του τουρκικού επιτελείου που διατάζουν εξόντωση των αρρένων Ρωμιών από βρεφικής ηλικίας έως γεροντικής. Αυτά τα γεγονότα αποτελούν σύμφωνα με τα διεθνή κρατούντα γενοκτονία.

EFFECT OF ORAL FOLATE SUPPLEMENTATION ON CAROTID INTIMA-MEDIA THICKNESS (PRIMARY RESULTS)

by Dimitrios Karamitsos and Αγαπάκης Δημήτρης

Atherosclerosis Supplements, 2008

Atypical petechial rash of the lower extremities due to Parvovirus B19 infection

International Journal of Dermatology, 2008

Portal hypertension caused by acute cytomegalovirus infection with liver involvement in an immunocompetent patient

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2007

Primary infection by cytomegalovirus in immunocompetent patients is usually unapparent. We report... more Primary infection by cytomegalovirus in immunocompetent patients is usually unapparent. We report a case of severe acute cytomegalovirus infection in a young immunocompetent male with pulmonary and hepatic involvement and portal hypertension who recovered without specific antiviral therapy with complete resolution of sonographic signs of portal hypertension after 6 months.

Inflammatory cytokines in insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes

Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 2008

An association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and inflammation has been described in several st... more An association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and inflammation has been described in several studies. The aim of this study was to search for the presence of low-grade inflammation in a special group of insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes, and to investigate a possible correlation between inflammation and obesity, glucose homeostasis and insulin requirement (IU insulin/kg body weight, BW). We studied 85 subjects with type 2 diabetes that were receiving insulin treatment (group A) and 32 receiving sulfonylurea treatment (group B), and 57 subjects without diabetes (group C). Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and the soluble TNF-alpha receptors sTNFR-60 and sTNFR-80 were measured in serum samples taken from all patients. The mean serum cytokine levels in group A vs. group B were: IL-6, 8.54+/-11 vs. 2.71+/-1.9 pg/ml (p=0.000); TNF-alpha, 14.33+/-24 vs. 5.12+/-15 pg/ml (p=0.016); sTNFR60, 3.9+/-2.8 vs. 2.36+/-1.4 ng/ml (p=0.000); and sTNFR80, 11.9+/-7 vs. 9.4+/-6 ng/ml (p=0.080). The mean serum cytokine levels in group A vs. group C were: IL-6, 8.54+/-11 vs. 4.74+/-7 pg/ml (p=0.017); TNF-alpha, 14.33+/-24 vs. 5.94+/-3.4 pg/ml (p=0.003); sTNFR60, 3.9+/-2.8 vs. 2.54+/-1.4 ng/ml (p=0.000); and sTNFR80, 11.9+/-7 vs. 10.85+/-8 ng/ml (p=0.470). A positive association between waist circumference and IL-6 (r=0.165, p=0.030) and sTNFR-60 (r=0.276, p=0.000) was detected. A significant correlation coefficient was observed between haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and both IL-6 (r=0.278, p=0.000) and sTNFR-60 (r=0.293, p=0.000), when the groups were studied as one. No correlation between inflammation and units of insulin/kg BW was found. In conclusion, low-grade chronic inflammation, as estimated by the relative levels of inflammatory cytokines, was present in patients with type 2 diabetes that were receiving insulin treatment, with significantly higher cytokine levels recorded compared to sulfonylurea-treated patients. In addition, an association between inflammation and both obesity and glucose homeostasis was detected.

Incidence and etiology of acute non-malignant upper gastrointestinal bleeding in northern Greece

Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2007

To evaluate the incidence and etiology of acute non-malignant upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AN... more To evaluate the incidence and etiology of acute non-malignant upper gastrointestinal bleeding (ANMUGIB) in northern Greece due to increased use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including low-dose aspirin (L-A), exposure and geographical variability of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) seroprevalence. A retrospective study of 110 patients admitted for hematemesis or melena during a 6-month period. All patients had undergone a gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy during hospitalization. The presence of Hp was identified by biopsies and a (13)C-urea breath test in the case of Hp(-) biopsy bleeding peptic ulcer (BPU). The activity of ANMUGIB was assessed according to Forrest&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s classification. Statistical analysis was made by the chi(2)-test and Yates&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; correction. Most patients were in the two medium age groups with no significant difference between them (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001). NSAID or L-A (100 mg/day) use was reported in 42.73% of patients in a ratio 1:1 (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.1) and Hp infection was found in 29.09% of patients. BPU, with approximately two-thirds in the bulb, erosions and varices were the most frequent sources. Hp infection was found in 60.65% of BPU, 65.57% were related to NSAIDs or L-A and 8.19% were non-Hp non-NSAID/L-A BPU. Flat spots were most commonly found with a significant difference (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001) to other stigmata of recent bleeding, except for clean base. In northern Greece, persons aged over 40 years are prone to ANMUGIB with a non-significant relationship to males. Hp infection and medication use, such as NSAIDS and L-A, are deeply involved in its etiology. Non-Hp non-NSAID/L-A BPU are a small proportion. ANMUGIB seems to have a generally good prognosis.