Diagnosis and management of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding: guidelines from the British Society of Gastroenterology

Validation of British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines for acute lower GI bleeding from 8956 cases in Japan

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

We sought to validate the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) guidelines for acute lower GI bleeding (ALGIB).

METHODS

We analyzed 8956 patients with ALGIB in the Colonic Diverticular Bleeding Leaders Update Evidence From Multicenter Japanese Study (CODE BLUE-J) study and categorized them into 4 groups based on the BSG guidelines. Outcomes included 30-day rebleeding, 30-day mortality, blood transfusion, therapeutic intervention, and severe bleeding.

RESULTS

The severe bleeding rates significantly decreased from group I to group IV: 92.1%, 70.1%, 58.7%, and 38.4%. The rate of the need for blood transfusion and 30-day mortality also decreased from group I to group IV. Although outpatient follow-up was recommended in group IV, it had high rates of severe bleeding (38%) and 30-day rebleeding (11%). Notably, for colonic diverticular bleeding, the rate of 30-day rebleeding was 25.5%, even with an Oakland score of ≤8. We identified abdominal pain, diarrhea, and a high white blood cell count as independent factors that differentiate between nonsevere and severe bleeding cases in group IV. Using these factors, we found that the 30-day rebleeding rate in the nonsevere group was 3.6%, suggesting the feasibility of outpatient follow-up in this group. Furthermore, a novel group, Group X, which deviated from the existing 4 groups, had a high severe bleeding rate (70.9%) comparable to that of group II.

CONCLUSIONS

The BSG guidelines suggest a management approach that can clearly differentiate severity. However, caution is advised when using the Oakland score to triage patients for outpatient follow-up. Additionally, prompt intervention may be necessary for groups not covered by the guidelines.

A novel scheme for non-invasive drug delivery with a magnetically controlled drug delivering capsule endoscope

There is a lack of effective means for precise drug delivery of gastrointestinal diseases. Herein we report a novel magnetically controlled drug delivering capsule endoscope (MDCE) to achieve precision drug delivery for gastrointestinal diseases. MDCE integrates a drug delivery system into conventional capsule endoscope. It can carry 0.5 ml of liquid medication, which can be sprayed onto the target area using an electric pump upon detecting lesions by convolutional neural network (CNN)-model. Additionally, with the aid of an external magnet, the operator can adjust the posture and drug delivery direction of the capsule endoscope to enhance the accuracy of drug release. This adjustment process is monitored in real-time through the camera at the front of the capsule endoscope. To validate the clinical efficacy of the MDCE, we established porcine intestinal epithelial injury and bleeding models, and we demonstrated that MDCE could accurately deliver drugs under magnetic control through direct visualization. MDCE could significantly reduce injury area by delivering organoids to porcine injury sites after 7 days compared to the control group (48 mm2vs. 21 mm2, p = 0.018). MDCE could significantly reduce bleeding time by spraying norepinephrine to porcine intestinal bleeding site compared to the control group (731 s vs. 418 s, p = 0.007). These demonstrate that MDCE could actively accurately release drugs under magnetic control through direct visualization in a non-invasive manner. This opens a new chapter for the precision treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and provides a novel approach for oral drug administration for systemic diseases.

Trans-arterial embolization for treatment of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding-a multicenter analysis

PURPOSE

To assess the technical feasibility, safety, and clinical success rate of trans-arterial embolization (TAE) as an emergency treatment for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients who received urgent TAE due to active LGIB at five academic centers in Germany were retrospectively analyzed. LGIB was confirmed and localized using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) or endoscopy. Outcome parameters including technical and clinical success rates as well as ischemia-related adverse events were analyzed. Furthermore, treatment-related variables that may affect technical and clinical success were analyzed using a regression model.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-one patients were included. TAE was performed in 91% (128/141) of patients. In 81% (114/141) of patients, TAE was performed due to active bleeding visible at angiography, the remaining 10% (14/141) underwent empiric embolization based on pre-interventional imaging. In 9% (13/141) of patients, no TAE was performed. Microcoils were the most used embolic 48.5% (62/128), followed by glue 23.5% (30/128) and Microparticles (8%; 10/128). In the case of bleeding visible in angiography, the technical success rate was 100% (114/114); the clinical success rate was 93.6% (120/128). Severe ischemia-related adverse events necessitating bowel surgery occurred in 14% (18/128) of all patients after embolization. Thirty-day mortality was 14% (21/141). Regression analysis revealed no significant correlations but a statistical trend toward a higher incidence of bowel resection when glue was used (p = 0.090) and toward a higher 30-day mortality when an unselective embolization was performed (p = 0.057).

CONCLUSION

TAE for LGIB has a high technical and clinical success rate. Severe ischemia-related adverse events necessitating bowel surgery occurred in 14% of patients without identifying a significant correlation to the embolization technique or an embolic.

KEY POINTS

Question Is trans-arterial embolization (TAE) viable as an emergency treatment for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB)? Findings TAE demonstrated a 100% technical and 93.6% clinical success rate in treating acute LGIB, with severe ischemia-related adverse events occurring in 14% of patients. Clinical relevance TAE is highly effective and has an acceptable complication rate in treating lower gastrointestinal bleeding, emphasizing the need for a direct head-to-head comparison between endovascular and endoscopic therapy.

Endoscopic Therapy for Anastomotic Bleeding in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Lower gastrointestinal (GI) anastomotic bleeding in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rare but can be detrimental. Time and effective management is critical to prevent morbidity. Endoscopy has emerged as a minimally invasive and highly effective treatment modality for the management of this complication. However, endoscopic treatment for anastomotic bleeding faces challenges such as recurrent bleeding, complication of the procedure, and need for interdisciplinary collaboration. In this study, we focus on the techniques, efficacy, and safety of endoscopic interventions for the treatment of lower GI anastomotic bleeding in patients with IBD.

Delphi consensus statement for the management of delayed post-polypectomy bleeding

Background

Delayed post-polypectomy bleeding (DPPB) is the most common adverse event following colonic polypectomy, yet its management remains highly heterogeneous and lacks standardization. A considerable number of colonoscopies performed for DPPB may be unnecessary and do not result in hemostatic intervention.

Objectives

To develop evidence-based statements to guide clinical decision-making in DPPB.

Design

Multidisciplinary Delphi consensus statement.

Methods

A panel of 29 experts in gastroenterology, hematology, radiology, and surgery was assembled. Through a systematic review of the literature and a modified Delphi process, consensus statements were developed through iterative rounds of anonymous voting. Statements were revised following anonymous voting and feedback at each round. Those achieving 80% agreement were accepted.

Results

The expert panel reached a consensus on 36 statements, covering areas such as antithrombotic management, bowel preparation, colonoscopy indications, and therapeutic hemostatic modalities. Key recommendations include guidance for managing self-limited bleeding and risk stratification to reduce the rate of unnecessary colonoscopies, as well as recommendations for hemodynamically unstable patients who may require primary angioembolization. A practical clinical algorithm is proposed.

Conclusion

This document provides a consensus-based framework for managing DPPB. These recommendations aim to improve patient outcomes and optimize healthcare resources while fostering a standardized approach to this common adverse event.

Diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal hemorrhage: What you need to know

ABSTRACT

Acute gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage is a common cause for hospital admission that requires prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary management to optimize clinical outcomes. Acute gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) includes both upper and lower GI tract sources with an extensive list of differential pathologies. This review provides a systematic approach to both upper and lower GIB management, emphasizing initial resuscitation, stabilization, diagnostic evaluation to identify the source, and treatment modalities. Endoscopy remains the cornerstone for diagnostic and interventional purposes, significantly reducing the need for surgical procedures. However, lower GIB and severe or refractory cases may necessitate additional imaging and interventions, including surgical management. Integrating clinical guidelines, evidence-based strategies, and individualized care, this review delineates what you need to know to diagnose and manage acute GI hemorrhage.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Utilisation of Deep Neural Networks for Estimation of Cajal Cells in the Anal Canal Wall of Patients with Advanced Haemorrhoidal Disease Treated by LigaSure Surgery

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) play a key role in gastrointestinal smooth muscle contractions, but their relationship with anal canal function in advanced haemorrhoidal disease (HD) remains poorly understood. This study uses deep neural network (DNN) models to estimate ICC presence and quantity in anal canal tissues affected by HD. Haemorrhoidectomy specimens were collected from patients undergoing surgery with the LigaSure device. A YOLOv11-based machine learning model, trained on 376 immunohistochemical images, automated ICC detection using the CD117 marker, achieving a mean average precision (mAP50) of 92%, with a recall of 86% and precision of 88%. The DNN model accurately identified ICCs in whole-slide images, revealing that one-third of grade III HD patients and 60% of grade IV HD patients had a high ICC density. Preoperatively, pain was reported in 35% of grade III HD patients and 41% of grade IV patients, with a significant reduction following surgery. A significant decrease in bleeding (p < 0.0001) was also noted postoperatively. Notably, patients with postoperative bleeding, diagnosed with stage IV HD, had high ICC density in their anorectal tissues (p = 0.0041), suggesting a potential link between ICC density and HD severity. This AI-driven model, alongside clinical data, may enhance outcome prediction and provide insights into HD pathophysiology.

Massive Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding From Colonic Submucosal Lipoma and Diverticular Disease: A Rare Case Requiring Surgical Interventions and Postoperative Management Challenges

Massive lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (LGIB) is a life-threatening condition requiring prompt diagnosis and management. While diverticular disease is a common cause, rare entities such as colonic submucosal lipomas may complicate the presentation. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in managing such a scenario, particularly with recurrent bleeding and postoperative complications. A 61-year-old patient presented with recurrent episodes of massive LGIB over a five-day period. Initial evaluations, including CT angiography and nuclear medicine imaging, identified diverticular disease but failed to localize the bleeding source definitively. Despite receiving 15 units of blood transfusions, the patient experienced persistent bleeding, ultimately necessitating emergency surgery. A right hemicolectomy revealed a submucosal lipoma and diverticular disease in the ascending colon with significant intraluminal hemorrhage. Postoperative management was complicated by pulmonary embolism, requiring therapeutic anticoagulation. This case emphasizes the importance of integrating multiple diagnostic modalities when evaluating massive LGIB, especially in patients with uncommon etiologies. It also highlights the complexities of managing massive transfusion protocols and postoperative thromboembolic events in high-risk patients. This report underscores the need for timely surgical intervention in unresolved cases of massive LGIB and the importance of vigilant postoperative care to prevent complications. Enhanced strategies for early mobilization and hydration are critical for improving outcomes in these patients.

Rectal arterial embolization for hemostasis of acute hemorrhagic rectal ulcers: A case series

Acute hemorrhagic rectal ulcer (AHRU), though a relatively rare etiology of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, represents a critical clinical emergency characterized by sudden onset, painless, massive, and fresh rectal bleeding. While endoscopic hemostasis remains prominent therapy, its efficacy is limited in emergency settings by poor bowel preparation and obscured visualization. Rectal arterial embolization (RAE) offers a viable alternative, however, detailed descriptions of its application for AHRU in literature are lacking. Thus, we report a single-center experience of RAE in six patients with massive AHRU-related bleeding. Technical success was achieved in 83% (5/6) of cases, with clinical success was achieved in 100% cases (6/6). Rebleeding after initial RAE procedure occurred in 33% (2/6) of cases, one of which ultimately achieving hemostasis through transanal suturing after initial embolization failure. No major embolism-related complications were observed during follow-up. Moreover, complete embolization of rectal supplies demonstrated potential to reduce rebleeding risk, and empiric embolization may hold promise for managing refractory AHRU hemorrhage. These findings advocate for RAE as an effective alternative for AHRU hemorrhage, though further validation in larger cohorts is essential.

Safety of cold snare resection techniques for removal of polyps in the small colon in patients taking clopidogrel and aspirin: a Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases prospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Polypectomy is a procedure associated with a high risk of bleeding. Guidelines recommend uninterrupted aspirin use during polypectomy, whereas cessation of clopidogrel 5 to 7 days before polypectomy is recommended. The cold snare resection (CSR) technique, with or without submucosal injection, is considered safer than conventional polypectomy using electrocoagulation for postpolypectomy bleeding. In this study, we compared the bleeding adverse events associated with CSR between clopidogrel and aspirin users.

METHODS

This multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted in 5 academic hospitals in Korea and included clopidogrel and aspirin users who underwent polypectomy. Antiplatelet agents were used without interruption, with ≤3 days of interruption defined as continuous use. The primary endpoint was delayed bleeding, which was defined as bleeding occurring several hours after polypectomy, whereas immediate bleeding was defined as bleeding requiring hemostasis 2 minutes after polypectomy. Risk factors for immediate bleeding were investigated for each polyp.

RESULTS

Finally, 263 patients (509 polyps) were included, including those receiving clopidogrel (n=129) and aspirin (n=134). The rates of delayed bleeding per patient in the clopidogrel and aspirin groups were .8% and .7%, respectively, meeting noninferiority (rate difference, .03%; 95% confidence interval, -2.07 to 2.13). A total of 100 cases of hemostasis (19.8%) were performed in 68 patients after polypectomy. Immediate bleeding risk factors were female sex, end-stage renal disease, submucosal injection before resection, and polyp size ≥5 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

This multicenter prospective study demonstrated the safety of CSR in patients treated with uninterrupted clopidogrel and aspirin. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT04328987.).

Machine Learning Models With Prognostic Implications for Predicting Gastrointestinal Bleeding After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Guiding Personalized Medicine: Multicenter Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal bleeding is a serious adverse event of coronary artery bypass grafting and lacks tailored risk assessment tools for personalized prevention.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to develop and validate predictive models to assess the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding after coronary artery bypass grafting (GIBCG) and to guide personalized prevention.

METHODS

Participants were recruited from 4 medical centers, including a prospective cohort and the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. From an initial cohort of 18,938 patients, 16,440 were included in the final analysis after applying the exclusion criteria. Thirty combinations of machine learning algorithms were compared, and the optimal model was selected based on integrated performance metrics, including the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and the Brier score. This model was then developed into a web-based risk prediction calculator. The Shapley Additive Explanations method was used to provide both global and local explanations for the predictions.

RESULTS

The model was developed using data from 3 centers and a prospective cohort (n=13,399) and validated on the Drum Tower cohort (n=2745) and the MIMIC cohort (n=296). The optimal model, based on 15 easily accessible admission features, demonstrated an AUROC of 0.8482 (95% CI 0.8328-0.8618) in the derivation cohort. In external validation, the AUROC was 0.8513 (95% CI 0.8221-0.8782) for the Drum Tower cohort and 0.7811 (95% CI 0.7275-0.8343) for the MIMIC cohort. The analysis indicated that high-risk patients identified by the model had a significantly increased mortality risk (odds ratio 2.98, 95% CI 1.784-4.978; P<.001). For these high-risk populations, preoperative use of proton pump inhibitors was an independent protective factor against the occurrence of GIBCG. By contrast, dual antiplatelet therapy and oral anticoagulants were identified as independent risk factors. However, in low-risk populations, the use of proton pump inhibitors (χ21=0.13, P=.72), dual antiplatelet therapy (χ21=0.38, P=.54), and oral anticoagulants (χ21=0.15, P=.69) were not significantly associated with the occurrence of GIBCG.

CONCLUSIONS

Our machine learning model accurately identified patients at high risk of GIBCG, who had a poor prognosis. This approach can aid in early risk stratification and personalized prevention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Registry Center ChiCTR2400086050; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=226129.

Efficacy of hemostatic powder monotherapy versus conventional endoscopic treatment for nonvariceal GI bleeding: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hemostatic powder (HP) is a novel hemostasis modality for nonvariceal GI bleeding. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy of HP monotherapy versus conventional endoscopic treatment (CET) for nonvariceal GI bleeding.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched from inception to October 16, 2023. The primary outcomes were the initial hemostatic rate and the 30-day recurrent bleeding rate. After the meta-analysis, a trial sequential analysis (TSA) was also conducted to decrease the risk of random errors and validate the result.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 8 studies, incorporating 653 patients in total. Given significant heterogeneity, all analyses were segregated into malignancy-related and nonmalignancy-related GI bleeding lesions. For the former, HP monotherapy significantly improved the initial hemostasis rate and 30-day recurrent bleeding rate compared with CET (relative risk [RR], 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28-1.75; P < .001; RR, .32; 95% CI, .12-.86; P = .02, respectively), and TSA supported the results. For nonmalignancy-related GI bleeding, HP monotherapy and CET have similar initial hemostasis and 30-day recurrent bleeding rates (RR, 1.08; 95% CI, .98-1.19; P = .11; RR, 1.15; 95% CI, .46-2.90; P = .76, respectively), but the TSA failed to confirm the results.

CONCLUSIONS

HP monotherapy surpassed CET in terms of the initial hemostasis rate and 30-day recurrent bleeding rate for patients with malignancy-related GI bleeding. However, their relative efficacy for nonmalignancy-related GI bleeding remains unresolved.

Predictors of Short and Long-term Rebleeding in Patients With Overt Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

We aimed to identify predictors of rebleeding in patients with overt gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and to develop a rebleeding index.

METHODS

This was a prospective study of patients admitted with GIB from 2013 to 2023 at a tertiary care center. Rebleeding was defined as the recurrence of visible bleeding after initial stabilization, endoscopic evaluation, and/or hemostatic therapy, accompanied by a change in vital signs or a hemoglobin (Hgb) decrease of ≥2 g/dL. Independent predictors were determined after adjusting for confounders.

RESULTS

Seven hundred ninety-seven patients with GIB were recruited between 2013 and 2023 and were followed up until death or January 2023. In-hospital, 1-month, 1-year, and end of follow-up rebleeding rates were: 5.3%, 8.9%, 16.2%, and 21.8%, respectively. Sources of rebleeding were different from the original sources in 36% of patients. Predictors of 1-month rebleeding included need for ≥3 packed red blood cell (PRBC) units (HR=1.86; p=0.041), endoscopic stigmata of recent hemorrhage (SRH) (HR=1.99; p=0.007), and Hgb level (HR=0.82; p=0.018; lower Hgb predicts higher rebleeding risk). A rebleeding index based on SRH, Hgb level, and ≥3 PRBC units showed modest performance (AUC=0.68), with higher scores indicating increased rebleeding risk. At the end of follow-up, SRH remained a predictor (HR=1.61; p=0.003), whereas antiplatelets on admission or discharge appeared protective against rebleeding (HR=0.66; p=0.021; HR=0.63; p=0.026).

CONCLUSION

Predictors of rebleeding after GIB were SRH, PRBC transfusion, and lowest Hgb. The novel index based on these predictors performed favorably compared with the GBS, Rockall systems for UGUB and ABC scores. These data will help guide management and risk stratification of patients with GIB.

Oakland score to identify low-risk patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding performs well among emergency department patients

BACKGROUND

The Oakland Score predicts risk of 30-day adverse events among hospitalized patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) possibly identifying patients who may be safe for discharge. The Oakland Score has not been studied among emergency department (ED) patients with LGIB. The Oakland Score composite outcome includes re-bleeding, defined as additional blood transfusion requirements and/or a further decrease in hematocrit (Hct) >/= 20% after 24 h in clinical stability; red blood cell transfusion; therapeutic intervention to control bleeding, including surgery, mesenteric embolization, or endoscopic hemostasis; in-hospital death, all cause; and re-admission with further LGIB within 28 days. Prediction variables include age, sex, previous LGIB admission, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and hemoglobin concentration, and scores range from 0 to 35 points, with higher scores indicating greater risk.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of adult (≥ 18 years old) patients with a primary ED diagnosis of LGIB across 21 EDs from March 1st, 2018, through March 1st, 2020. We excluded patients who were more likely to have upper gastrointestinal bleeding (esophago-gastroduodenoscopy without LGIB evaluation), patients who left against medical advice or prior to ED provider evaluation, ED patients without active health plan membership, and patients with incomplete Oakland Score variables. We assessed predictive accuracy by reporting the area under the receiver operator curve (AUROC) and sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios at multiple clinically relevant thresholds.

RESULTS

We identified 8,283 patients with LGIB, 52% were female, mean age was 68, 49% were non-White, and 27% had an adverse event. The AUROC for predicting an adverse event was 0.85 (95% CI 0.84-0.86). There were 1,358 patients with an Oakland Score of

CONCLUSION

The Oakland Score had high predictive accuracy among ED patients with LGIB. Prospective evaluation is needed to understand if the risk score could augment ED decision-making and improve outcomes and resource utilization.

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Key Words

• Emergency medicine
• Lower gastrointestinal bleeding
• Risk stratification

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MESH Headings Collapse

Grants

• Kaiser Permanente Northern California Community Health

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Affiliation(s)

Daniel D DiLena Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, 4480 Hacienda Dr, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, USA.
Sean C Bouvet Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
Madeline J Somers Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, 4480 Hacienda Dr, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, USA
Maqdooda A Merchant Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, 4480 Hacienda Dr, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, USA
Theodore R Levin Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, 4480 Hacienda Dr, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, USA Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center, Antioch, CA, USA
Adina S Rauchwerger Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, 4480 Hacienda Dr, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, USA
Dana R Sax Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, 4480 Hacienda Dr, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, USA Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, CA, USA

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Collaborators Collapse

Impact of long-term trends on outcomes in the management of colonic diverticular bleeding: mediation analyses in a large multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Despite accumulating evidence and recommendations for management of colonic diverticular bleeding (CDB), the changes in its clinical management and outcomes remain unknown.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective tendency analysis on a biennial basis, a propensity score-matched cohort study between the first and latter half groups, and mediation analyses to compare the diagnostic and treatment methods between January 2010 and December 2019 (CODE BLUE-J Study).

RESULTS

A total of 6575 patients with CDB were included. While the use of colonoscopy as the initial diagnostic procedure declined, the use of computed tomography (CT) increased in both the trend test and before-and-after comparisons. In hemostasis therapy, the use of endoscopic clips declined and band ligation increased. Interventional radiology remained unchanged; however, the number of surgeries decreased over time. The stigmata of recent hemorrhage (SRH) detection rate and length of hospital stay (LOS) improved significantly. Mediation analyses showed that use of a distal attachment and water-jet scope contributed to an improved SRH detection rate, and use of band ligation contributed to preventing rebleeding within 30 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Management strategies for CDB have changed in the past decade, particularly regarding the increased use of CT and decreased need for surgery. However, the main outcomes, except for the SRH detection rate and LOS, did not improve. The widespread use of distal attachment, water-jet scope, and band ligation could improve outcomes in CDB management.

Major Bleeding in the Emergency Department: A Practical Guide for Optimal Management

Major bleeding is a life-threatening condition with high morbidity and mortality. Trauma, gastrointestinal bleeding, haemoptysis, intracranial haemorrhage or other causes of bleeding represent major concerns in the Emergency Department (ED), especially when complicated by haemodynamic instability. Severity and source of bleeding, comorbidities, and prior use of anticoagulants are pivotal factors affecting both the clinical status and the patients' differential response to haemorrhage. Thus, risk stratification is fundamental in the initial assessment of patients with bleeding. Aggressive resuscitation is the principal step for achieving haemodynamic stabilization of the patient, which will further allow appropriate interventions to be made for the definite control of bleeding. Overall management of major bleeding in the ED should follow a holistic individualized approach which includes haemodynamic stabilization, repletion of volume and blood loss, and reversal of coagulopathy and identification of the source of bleeding. The aim of the present practical guide is to provide an update on recent epidemiological data about the most common etiologies of bleeding and summarize the latest evidence regarding the bundles of care for the management of patients with major bleeding of traumatic or non-traumatic etiology in the ED.

Surgical Emergencies in Rectal Cancer: A Narrative Review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed cancer worldwide and the second most common cause of cancer death. About 20% of patients diagnosed with rectal cancer present with emergency symptoms. Typical symptoms include acute bleeding, obstruction, and perforation. These emergency situations can be life-threatening and may lead to decreased life expectancy and quality of life. Bowel perforation is the most common cause of emergency presentation, followed by obstruction and acute bleeding. This narrative review analyzes the existing literature regarding the acute presentation of rectal cancer, producing three flow charts for the management of the main rectal emergencies. The treatment of acute bleeding differs based on the hemodynamic status. Treatment for bowel perforation or occlusion differs depending on whether the lesion is intraperitoneal or extraperitoneal. Emergency presentations seem to be strongly associated with several poor prognostic factors, including lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and high-grade or poorly differentiated tumors. An association between emergency presentation and larger tumor size, advanced tumor stage, node-positive disease, and metastatic disease is reported in the literature. The difference between colon and rectal cancer, both in terms of treatment and prognosis, has been widely acknowledged. Thus, comprehensive studies and dedicated guidelines are needed, considering the lack of literature published about rectal cancer in an emergency setting.

A rare case of appendiceal haemorrhage causing life-threatening haematochezia

Our case involved a 28-year-old man who presented with life-threatening haematochezia. Computed tomography angiogram revealed contrast extravasation from the appendix pooling in the caecum. Management via laparoscopic stapled partial caecectomy was successful. Histopathology revealed focal mild acute appendicitis with focal ulceration to submucosa.

Beyond the Usual Suspects: Appendiceal Bleeding as the Surprising Cause of Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a common clinical condition typically associated with diseases like diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer. However, rarer etiologies such as appendiceal hemorrhage can present similarly, complicating diagnosis and management. This case report discusses a 42-year-old male who presented with severe rectal bleeding. Despite a comprehensive diagnostic workup, including colonoscopy and CT angiography, the underlying cause was identified as an obscure appendiceal hemorrhage. This atypical presentation underscores the importance of considering a broad differential diagnosis, even in cases with seemingly straightforward clinical features. While laparoscopic appendectomy is the standard surgical approach for managing appendiceal hemorrhage, a conservative management strategy was successfully employed in this particular case, highlighting the importance of individualized patient care and judicious clinical decision-making. This case report emphasizes the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach, involving careful clinical assessment, advanced imaging, and endoscopic evaluation, to accurately diagnose and manage complex cases of gastrointestinal bleeding. By recognizing and addressing uncommon etiologies, clinicians can improve patient outcomes and minimize unnecessary interventions.

Underwater detection and clipping using a reopenable clip with a long hood for colonic diverticular bleeding

Watch a video of this article.

Urgent Reversal of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Critical and Life-Threatening Bleeding: A Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly being used due to their improved efficacy/safety ratio and lower clinical and economic burden when compared to vitamin K antagonists. However, bleeding is still the most frequent complication associated with DOACs, and although rare, bleeding episodes can be life-threatening or critical. The impact of DOAC anticoagulation activity during a bleeding event must be evaluated according to patient clinical assessment, dosage and time from last intake, the presence of comorbidities (especially kidney and liver dysfunction), and, whenever possible, coagulation tests. Unfortunately, DOACs' anticoagulation activity is not easily or usually detectable in routine common coagulation testing. Specific DOAC tests allow for specific drug monitoring, but they are too time consuming, and are usually unavailable in routine emergency practice. If a clinically relevant DOAC plasma concentration is assumed or proven in a severe bleeding scenario, DOAC reversal is needed to restore hemostasis. This experts' consensus provides a narrative review about DOAC reversal and practical life-threatening bleeding management in several scenarios (trauma, intracranial hemorrhage and gastrointestinal bleeding), focusing on the selection of patients to whom specific reversal agents should be given.

Validation of an Electronic Health Record-Based Machine Learning Model Compared With Clinical Risk Scores for Gastrointestinal Bleeding

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Guidelines recommend use of risk stratification scores for patients presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) to identify very-low-risk patients eligible for discharge from emergency departments. Machine learning models may outperform existing scores and can be integrated within the electronic health record (EHR) to provide real-time risk assessment without manual data entry. We present the first EHR-based machine learning model for GIB.

METHODS

The training cohort comprised 2546 patients and internal validation of 850 patients presenting with overt GIB (ie, hematemesis, melena, and hematochezia) to emergency departments of 2 hospitals from 2014 to 2019. External validation was performed on 926 patients presenting to a different hospital with the same EHR from 2014 to 2019. The primary outcome was a composite of red blood cell transfusion, hemostatic intervention (ie, endoscopic, interventional radiologic, or surgical), and 30-day all-cause mortality. We used structured data fields in the EHR, available within 4 hours of presentation, and compared the performance of machine learning models with current guideline-recommended risk scores, Glasgow-Blatchford Score, and Oakland Score. Primary analysis was area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Secondary analysis was specificity at 99% sensitivity to assess the proportion of patients correctly identified as very low risk.

RESULTS

The machine learning model outperformed the Glasgow-Blatchford Score (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.92 vs 0.89; P < .001) and Oakland Score (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.92 vs 0.89; P < .001). At the very-low-risk threshold of 99% sensitivity, the machine learning model identified more very-low-risk patients: 37.9% vs 18.5% for Glasgow-Blatchford Score and 11.7% for Oakland Score (P < .001 for both comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS

An EHR-based machine learning model performs better than currently recommended clinical risk scores and identifies more very-low-risk patients eligible for discharge from the emergency department.

Empiric embolization by vasospasm therapy for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding: a preliminary report

To report the preliminary result of empiric embolization for angiographycally-negative lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) by using the pharmaco-induced vasospasm technique with or without the adjunctive use of intra-arterial multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). 23 LGIB patients with positive MDCT findings but negative angiographic results underwent empiric pharmaco-induced vasospasm therapy. The presumed bleeding artery was semi-selectively catheterized, and a segment of bowel was temporarily spasmed with bolus injection of epinephrine and immediately followed by 4-h' vasopressin infusion. The rebleeding, primary and overall clinical success rates were reported. MDCT showed 19 bleeders in the SMA territory and 4 bleeders in the IMA territory. Early rebleeding was found in 6 patients (26.1%): 2 local rebleeding, 3 from new-foci bleeding and 1 uncertain. Of the 10 small bowel bleeding patients, only 1 out of the 7 who underwent intra-arterial MDCT showed rebleeding, whereas 2 out of the 3 without intra-arterial MDCT rebled. No patients exhibited procedure-related major complications, including bowel ischemia and cardiopulmonary distress. The overall clinical success rate was 91.3% (21/23) with a 30-day mortality rate of 26.1% (2 of the 6 patients had early rebleeding). Empiric pharmaco-induced vasospasm therapy, when localized with/without adjunctive intra-arterial MDCT, seems to be a safe and effective method to treat angiographically-negative LGIB patients.

Urgent Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography before Early Colonoscopy in the Management of Colonic Diverticular Bleeding: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) has been gaining attention as an initial investigation in the management of colonic diverticular bleeding (CDB), yet the role of CE-CT other than its diagnostic yield has not been adequately clarified. We aimed to determine whether the use of urgent CE-CT improves identification of stigmata of recent hemorrhage (SRH) in subsequently performed early colonoscopy (≤24 h of arrival) or other clinical outcomes of CDB.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, open-label, controlled trial at 23 institutions in Japan. Outpatients with suspected CDB were randomly assigned to undergo either urgent CE-CT followed by early colonoscopy (urgent-CE-CT + early-colonoscopy group) or early colonoscopy alone (early-colonoscopy group). The primary outcome was SRH identification. Secondary outcomes included successful endoscopic hemostasis, early (<30 days) and late (<1 year) rebleeding, length of hospital stay, and transfusion requirements.

RESULTS

In total, 240 patients, mostly in a hemodynamically stable condition, were randomized. A contrast extravasation on CE-CT was observed in 20 of 115 patients (17.4%) in the urgent-CE-CT + early-colonoscopy group. SRH was identified in 23 of 115 patients (20.0%) in the urgent-CE-CT + early-colonoscopy group and 21 of 118 patients (17.8%) in the early-colonoscopy group (difference, 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], -7.9 to 12.3; p = 0.739). Successful endoscopic hemostasis was achieved in 21 patients in each group (18.3% and 17.8%, respectively) (difference, 0.5; 95% CI, -9.4 to 10.4; p = 1.000). There were also no significant differences between groups in early and late rebleeding, length of hospital stay, and transfusion requirements.

CONCLUSION

The use of urgent CE-CT before early colonoscopy did not improve SRH identification or other clinical outcomes in patients with suspected CDB in a hemodynamically stable condition. The routine use of urgent CE-CT as an initial investigation is not recommended in this population, also considering the low rate of extravasation-positive cases (UMIN registry number, UMIN000026865).

UI-EWD hemostatic powder in the management of refractory lower gastrointestinal bleeding: a multicenter study

INTRODUCTION

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a common cause of emergency hospitalization and may require readmission for re-bleeding. A novel adhesive endoscopic hemostatic powder (UI-EWD/NexpowderTM, Nextbiomedical, Incheon, South Korea) has been developed and recently utilized for LGIB hemostasis. The aim of the current study was to assess the efficacy and safety of UI-EWD as a rescue therapy for the treatment of refractory LGIB.

METHODS

In this study, a total of 59 consecutive patients with LGIB who experienced initial hemostasis failure with conventional endoscopic therapy were enrolled into this multicenter single-arm study. These patients subsequently underwent UI-EWD application for the refractory LGIB hemostasis. We evaluated the success rate of hemostasis, re-bleeding rate within 30 d, and adverse events related to UI-EWD.

RESULTS

UI-EWD was successfully administered to the bleeding sites in all enrolled refractory bleeding patients. Hemostasis was achieved in the entirety of the 59 patients (100%). The cumulative re-bleeding rate within 30 d was 8.5% (5/59). There were no UI-EWD-related adverse events, such as perforation nor embolism.

CONCLUSION

Based on our results, the utilization of UI-EWD demonstrated a remarkable success rate in achieving hemostasis for refractory LGIB, while also exhibiting promising outcomes in reducing the re-bleeding rate within a 30-day period. Particularly, UI-EWD exhibits a favorable safety profile across all segments of the colon in cases of refractory LGIB.

Utilizing point-of-care lactate testing for rapid prediction of clinical outcomes in patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding in the emergency department

Objectives

We aimed to rapidly predict the prognosis of patients who present to the emergency department (ED) with acute gastrointestinal bleeding (AGIB) using point-of-care (POC) lactate testing.

Methods

This single-center retrospective observational study included 327 patients (survival group, 287; non-survival group, 40) who presented to the ED with AGIB between March 2021 and February 2022. We compared POC-measured lactate levels with laboratory-measured lactate levels using Pearson's correlation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify early predictors of in-hospital mortality and correlated clinical outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the optimal cutoff for POC-measured lactate levels for predicting in-hospital mortality, and the ROC curves for POC-measured lactate levels and AIMS65 scores were compared using the DeLong test.

Results

POC-measured lactate levels strongly correlated with laboratory-measured lactate levels (R2 = 0.82). Patients in the non-survival group had higher POC-measured lactate levels than did those in the survival group (2.6 mmol/L vs. 1.4 mmol/L, p < 0.001). POC-measured lactate level, age, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and malignancy were identified as early predictors of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] for POC-measured lactate levels: 1.15; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.30). The optimal POC-measured lactate level cutoff was 3.2 mmol/L. Areas under the ROC curves for POC-measured lactate level and the AIMS65 score were 0.70 and 0.73, respectively, showing statistical compatibility. Higher POC-measured lactate levels correlated with ICU admission, blood transfusion, and mechanical ventilation (aOR: 1.16, 95 % CI 1.05-1.27; 1.16, 1.04-1.30; and 1.31, 1.13-1.53, respectively]. Further, the hyperlactatemia subgroup (POC-measured lactate level ≥3.2 mmol/L) exhibited a lower survival probability in the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our study shows that rapidly obtainable POC-measured lactate levels are valuable for predicting critical outcomes in AGIB patients and should be considered an early prognostic indicator for in-hospital mortality in the ED.

Acute Rectal Bleeding in a COVID-19 Patient: Chasing a Diagnosis

Guidelines for managing lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) can vary significantly, posing challenges in clinical settings. This case involves a previously healthy man who presented with severe acute rectal bleeding, along with COVID-19 positivity, Janeway lesions, and splinter hemorrhages. His condition rapidly deteriorated, with evidence suggesting a diverticular bleed. Treatment with angiography and embolization successfully stabilized him, resulting in an excellent outcome. Accurate diagnosis and stabilization necessitate a coordinated approach tailored to each patient's condition. Early angiography should be considered for initial hemostasis in severe cases of LGIB, as demonstrated in this case.

External validation of the SHA2PE score and its comparison to the Oakland score for the prediction of safe discharge in patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND

The growing incidence of lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is leading to a rise in-hospital admissions even though most LGIB episodes are self-limiting. The Oakland and SHA2PE scores were designed to identify patients best suited to outpatient care. Our aim is explore the validity of the SHA2PE score and compare both of these scores in terms of predictiveness of safe discharge.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study of LGIB patients admitted to a tertiary hospital between June 2014 and June 2019. Safe discharge was defined as the absence of all the following: blood transfusion, haemostatic intervention, re-bleeding, in-hospital death, and re-admission due to LGIB within 28 days after discharge.

RESULTS

From 595 hospital admissions for LGIB, 398 episodes were included. Fifty-four per cent met safe discharge criteria, with these cases being younger, with a lower score in the Charlson's index and significantly higher haemoglobin concentration upon arrival. The performance of both scores was good, with an AUC for the Oakland score of 0.85 (95% CI 0.82-0.89) and of 0.797 (95% CI 0.75-0.84) for the SHA2PE score. The Oakland score performed better in terms of prediction of safe discharge, with a positive predictive value and specificity of 100% when a cut-off value of ≤ 8 points was used; however, only a minority of patients might benefit from its implementation given its low sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost half of the patients admitted for LGIB met criteria for safe discharge. However, the available indexes only allow for the identification of a small proportion of those patients candidates for outpatient care.

Canadian Association of Radiologists Gastrointestinal Imaging Referral Guideline

The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) Gastrointestinal Expert Panel consists of radiologists, a gastroenterologist, a general surgeon, a family physician, a patient advisor, and an epidemiologist/guideline methodologist. After developing a list of 20 clinical/diagnostic scenarios, a systematic rapid scoping review was undertaken to identify systematically produced referral guidelines that provide recommendations for one or more of these clinical/diagnostic scenarios. Recommendations from 58 guidelines and contextualization criteria in the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) for guidelines framework were used to develop 85 recommendation statements specific to the adult population across the 20 scenarios. This guideline presents the methods of development and the referral recommendations for dysphagia/dyspepsia, acute nonlocalized abdominal pain, chronic abdominal pain, inflammatory bowel disease, acute gastrointestinal bleeding, chronic gastrointestinal bleeding/anemia, abnormal liver biopsy, pancreatitis, anorectal diseases, diarrhea, fecal incontinence, and foreign body ingestion.

Single center assessment of the role of Oakland score among patients admitted for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The Oakland score was developed to predict safe discharge in patients who present to the emergency department with lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB). In this study, we retrospectively evaluated if this score can be implemented to assess safe discharge (score ≤ 10) at WellStar Atlanta Medical Center (WAMC).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of 108 patients admitted at WAMC from January 1, 2020 to December 30, 2021 was performed. Patients with LGIB based on the ICD-10 codes were included. Oakland score was calculated using 7 variables (age, sex, previous LGIB, digital rectal exam, pulse, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and hemoglobin (Hgb)) for all patients at admission and discharge from the hospital. The total score ranges from 0 to 35 and a score of ≤ 10 is a cut-off that has been shown to predict safe discharge. Hgb and SBP are the main contributors to the score, where lower values correspond to a higher Oakland score. Descriptive and multivariate analysis was performed using SPSS 23 software.

RESULTS

A total of 108 patients met the inclusion criteria, 53 (49.1%) were female with racial distribution was as follows: 89 (82.4%) African Americans, 17 (15.7%) Caucasian, and 2 (1.9%) others. Colonoscopy was performed in 69.4% patients; and 61.1% patients required blood transfusion during hospitalization. Mean SBP records at admission and discharge were 129.0 (95% CI, 124.0-134.1) and 130.7 (95% CI,125.7-135.8), respectively. The majority (59.2%) of patients had baseline anemia and the mean Hgb values were 11.0 (95% CI, 10.5-11.5) g/dL at baseline prior to hospitalization, 8.8 (95% CI, 8.2-9.5) g/dL on arrival and 9.4 (95% CI, 9.0-9.7) g/dL at discharge from hospital. On admission, 100/108 (92.6%) of patients had an Oakland score of > 10 of which almost all patients (104/108 (96.2%)) continued to have persistent elevation of Oakland Score greater than 10 at discharge. Even though, the mean Oakland score improved from 21.7 (95% CI, 20.4-23.1) of the day of arrival to 20.3 (95% CI, 19.4-21.2) at discharge, only 4/108 (3.7%) of patients had an Oakland score of ≤ 10 at discharge. Despite this, only 9/108 (8.33%) required readmission for LGIB during a 1-year follow-up. We found that history of admission for previous LGIB was associated with readmission with adjusted odds ratio 4.42 (95% CI, 1.010-19.348, p = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, nearly all patients who had Oakland score of > 10 at admission continued to have a score above 10 at discharge. If the Oakland Score was used as the sole criteria for discharge most patients would not have met discharge criteria. Interestingly, most of these patients did not require readmission despite an elevated Oakland score at time of discharge, indicating the Oakland score did not really predict safe discharge. A potential confounder was the Oakland score did not consider baseline anemia during calculation. A prospective study to evaluate a modified Oakland score that considers baseline anemia could add value in this patient population.

Emergency medicine updates: Lower gastrointestinal bleeding

INTRODUCTION

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a condition commonly seen in the emergency department. Therefore, it is important for emergency medicine clinicians to be aware of the current evidence regarding the diagnosis and management of this disease.

OBJECTIVE

This paper evaluates key evidence-based updates concerning LGIB for the emergency clinician.

DISCUSSION

LGIB is most commonly due to diverticulosis or anorectal disease, though there are a variety of etiologies. The majority of cases resolve spontaneously, but patients can have severe bleeding resulting in hemodynamic instability. Initial evaluation should focus on patient hemodynamics, the severity of bleeding, and differentiating upper gastrointestinal bleeding from LGIB. Factors associated with LGIB include prior history of LGIB, age over 50 years, and presence of blood clots per rectum. Computed tomography angiography is the imaging modality of choice in those with severe bleeding to diagnose the source of bleeding and guide management when embolization is indicated. Among stable patients without severe bleeding, colonoscopy is the recommended modality for diagnosis and management. A transfusion threshold of 7 g/dL hemoglobin is recommended based on recent data and guidelines (8 g/dL in those with myocardial ischemia), though patients with severe bleeding and hemodynamic instability should undergo emergent transfusion. Anticoagulation reversal may be necessary. If bleeding does not resolve, embolization or endoscopic therapies are necessary. There are several risk scores that can predict the risk of adverse outcomes; however, these scores should not replace clinical judgment in determining patient disposition.

CONCLUSIONS

An understanding of literature updates can improve the care of patients with LGIB.

National trends in hospitalizations for gastrointestinal bleeding in Japan

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a significant public health concern, predominantly associated with high morbidity. However, there have been no reports investigating the trends of GIB in Japan using nationwide data. This study aims to identify current trends and issues in the management of GIB by assessing Japan's national data. We analyzed National Database sampling data from 2012 to 2019, evaluating annual hospitalization rates for major six types of GIB including hemorrhagic gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, esophageal variceal bleeding, colonic diverticular bleeding, ischemic colitis, and rectal ulcers. In this study, hospitalization rates per 100,000 indicated a marked decline in hemorrhagic gastric ulcers, approximately two-thirds from 41.5 to 27.9, whereas rates for colonic diverticular bleeding more than doubled, escalating from 15.1 to 34.0. Ischemic colitis rates increased 1.6 times, from 20.8 to 34.9. In 2017, the hospitalization rate per 100,000 for colonic diverticular bleeding and ischemic colitis surpassed those for hemorrhagic gastric ulcers (31.1, 31.3, and 31.0, respectively). No significant changes were observed for duodenal ulcers, esophageal variceal bleeding, or rectal ulcers. The findings of this study underscore a pivotal shift in hospitalization frequencies from upper GIB to lower GIB in 2017, indicating a potential shift in clinical focus and resource allocation.

Management of blood thinning medications in elderly populations presenting with rectal bleeding: Are we doing right?

Introduction

Rectal bleeding commonly occurs in elderly patients using blood thinners, posing management challenges due to limited guidance on reversal agents and medication restart criteria. This study aims to review the demographics and management of elderly patients with rectal bleeding while on blood thinners.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients aged 60 or older presenting with rectal bleeding at West Suffolk Hospital's emergency department was conducted from January 2018 to December 2020. Data were extracted from electronic records, focusing on patients using blood thinners and adhering to British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines. All patients ceased blood-thinning medications upon admission. The hospital's ethics committee approved the study, which focused on demographics, diagnosis, and management, particularly regarding re-initiation of blood-thinning medicines.

Results

During the study period, 170 patients were admitted to the emergency department of West Suffolk Hospital. 93 (54.71%) patients were included in the study. The average age of the participants was 82 years, and 62.3% were male. All patients were followed up for three months. Atrial fibrillation accounted for 52% of patients, while previous strokes accounted for 20%. The most typical pathology was diverticulosis.Regarding restarting of anticoagulants, Among patients on DOAC (Direct oral anticoagulant), 39% were restarted on discharge, 23% were switched to warfarin, and another 23% were not restarted; 15% planned to restart after seven days. For those on Warfarin, 62% were restarted on discharge, 22% stopped the medication, and the rest were switched to Dual Oral Anticoagulant. Among aspirin patients, 60% were restarted at discharge, while the remaining discontinued. All patients receiving clopidogrel and dual antiplatelet therapy were started at discharge. None of the patients were readmitted during the follow-up period of 3 months.

Conclusion

Restarting of blood-thinning drugs in patients with rectal bleeding is subject to individual patient variation. Necessitates more extensive trials to achieve greater standardization.

Twenty years of embolization for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding: a meta-analysis of rebleeding and ischaemia rates

BACKGROUND

Transarterial embolization (TAE) for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) can be technically challenging due to the compromise between achieving haemostasis and causing tissue ischaemia. The goal of the present study is to determine its technical success, rebleeding, and post-embolization ischaemia rates through meta-analysis of published literature in the last twenty years.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were queried. Technical success, rebleeding, and ischaemia rates were extracted. Baseline characteristics such as author, publication year, region, study design, embolization material, percentage of superselective embolization were retrieved. Subgroup analysis was performed based on publication time and embolization agent.

RESULTS

A total of 66 studies including 2121 patients who underwent embolization for acute LGIB were included. Endoscopic management was attempted in 34.5%. The pooled overall technical success, rebleeding, post-embolization ischaemia rates were 97.0%, 20.7%, and 7.5%, respectively. Studies published after 2010 showed higher technical success rates (97.8% vs 95.2%), lower rebleeding rates (18.6% vs 23.4%), and lower ischaemia rates (7.3% vs 9.7%). Compared to microcoils, NBCA was associated with a lower rebleeding rate (9.3% vs 20.8%) at the expense of a higher post-embolization ischaemia rate (9.7% vs 4.0%). Coagulopathy (P = .034), inotropic use (P = .040), and malignancy (P = .002) were predictors of post-embolization rebleeding. Haemorrhagic shock (P < .001), inotropic use (P = .026), malignancy (P < .001), coagulopathy (P = .002), blood transfusion (P < .001), and enteritis (P = .023) were predictors of mortality. Empiric embolization achieved a similarly durable haemostasis rate compared to targeted embolization (23.6% vs 21.1%) but a higher risk of post-embolization ischaemia (14.3% vs 4.7%).

CONCLUSION

For LGIB, TAE has a favourable technical success rate and low risk of post-embolization ischaemia. Its safety and efficacy profile has increased over the last decade. Compared to microcoils, NBCA seemed to offer a more durable haemostasis rate at the expense of higher ischaemia risk. Due to the heterogeneity of currently available evidence, future prospective and comparative studies are warranted.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

(1) Acute LGIB embolization demonstrate a high technical success rate with acceptable rate of rebleeding and symptomatic ischaemia rates. Most ischaemic stigmata discovered during routine post-embolization colonoscopy were minor. (2) Although NBCA seemed to offer a more durable haemostasis rate, it was also associated with a higher risk of ischaemia compared to microcoils. (3) Coagulopathy, malignant aetiology, and inotropic use were predictors of rebleeding and mortality. (4) Routine post-embolization endoscopy to assess for ischaemia is not indicated.

Acute upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding management in older people taking or not taking anticoagulants: a literature review

Acute upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding may be a potentially life-threatening event that requires prompt recognition and an early effective management, being responsible for a considerable number of hospital admissions. Methods. We perform a clinical review to summarize the recent international guidelines, helping the physician in clinical practice. Older people are a vulnerable subgroup of patients more prone to developing GI bleeding because of several comorbidities and polypharmacy, especially related to an increased use of antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs. In addition, older patients may have higher peri-procedural risk that should be evaluated. The recent introduction of reversal strategies may help the management of GI bleeding in this subgroup of patients. In this review, we aimed to (1) summarize the epidemiology and risk factors for upper and lower GI bleeding, (2) describe treatment options with a focus on pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of different proton pump inhibitors, and (3) provide an overview of the clinical management with flowcharts for risk stratification and treatment. In conclusion, GI is common in older patients and an early effective management may be helpful in the reduction of several complications.

Value of multidetector computed tomography angiography in severe non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a retrospective study in a referral bleeding unit

BACKGROUND

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a common gastroenterological emergency associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is currently recommended as the gold standard modality for both diagnosis and treatment. As historically played a limited role in the diagnosis of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding, multidetector-row computed tomography angiography is emerging as a promising tool in the diagnosis of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding, especially for severe cases. However, to date, evidence concerning the role of multidetector-row computed tomography angiography in the non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding diagnosis is still lacking.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate the diagnostic performance of emergent multidetector-row computed tomography angiography performed prior to any diagnostic modality or following urgent upper endoscopy to identify the status, the site, and the underlying etiology of severe non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

METHODS

Institutional databases were reviewed in order to identify severe acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding patients who were admitted to our bleeding unit and were referred for emergent multidetector-row computed tomography angiography prior to any hemostatic treatment (< 3 h) or following (< 3 h) endoscopy, between December 2019 and October 2022. The study aim was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of multidetector-row computed tomography angiography to detect the status, the site, and the etiology of severe non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding with endoscopy, digital subtraction angiography, surgery, pathology, or a combination of them as reference standards.

RESULTS

A total of 68 patients (38 men, median age 69 years [range 25-96]) were enrolled. The overall multidetector-row computed tomography angiography sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy to diagnose bleeding status were 77.8% (95% CI: 65.5-87.3), 40% (95% CI: 5.3-85.3), and 75% (95% CI: 63.0-84.7), respectively. Finally, the overall multidetector-row computed tomography angiography sensitivity to identify the bleeding site and the bleeding etiology were 92.4% (95% CI: 83.2-97.5) and 79% (95% CI: 66.8-88.3), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Although esophagogastroduodenoscopy is the mainstay in the diagnosis and treatment of most non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding cases, multidetector-row computed tomography angiography seems to be a feasible and effective modality in detecting the site, the status, and the etiology of severe acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. It may play a crucial role in the management of selected cases of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding, especially those clinically severe and/or secondary to rare and extraordinary rare sources, effectively guiding timing and type of treatment. However, further large prospective studies are needed to clarify the role of multidetector-row computed tomography angiography in the diagnostic process of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Early double-balloon enteroscopy was not related to better clinical outcomes in patients with suspected overt small bowel bleeding

BACKGROUND

Device-assisted enteroscopy has been used for over 20 years for the management of patients with suspected small bowel bleeding. Unlike esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy, the appropriate timing of enteroscopy is still unknown. In recent guidelines, early enteroscopy is suggested to maximize diagnostic yield and therapeutic yield in patients with suspected small bowel bleeding. However, few studies have identified its influence on clinical outcomes, including mortality or rebleeding rate. We conducted this study to evaluate the influence of the timing of double-balloon enteroscopy on clinical outcomes in patients with suspected small bowel bleeding.

METHODS

Patients with overt small bowel bleeding who underwent double-balloon enteroscopy from January 2013 to February 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized into an early enteroscopy group (≤14 days) and a nonearly enteroscopy group (>14 days). Clinical outcomes, including short-term mortality and rebleeding rate, long-term mortality and rebleeding rate, diagnostic yield, and therapeutic yield, were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients (mean age, 66.2 years; 53% male) were included, and 44 patients were stratified into the early enteroscopy group. The diagnostic yield, therapeutic yield, mortality, and rebleeding rate were similar between two groups. In multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis, there were no significant differences between two groups regarding the 30-day rebleeding rate (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.43; 95% CI, 0.47-4.33), 90-day rebleeding rate (aOR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.47-2.94), 30-day mortality rate (aOR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.21-8.13), 90-day mortality rate (aOR, 1.94; 95% CI, 0.48-7.87), and 90-day bleeding-related mortality (aOR, 2.18; 95% CI, 0.24-19.52). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that the timing of DBE was not associated with the long-term rebleeding rate or mortality rate ( p = 0.57 and 0.83, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The timing of enteroscopy did not influence the clinical outcomes, including the short-term mortality rate, short-term rebleeding rate, long-term mortality rate, and rebleeding rate, in patients with suspected overt small bowel bleeding.

External validation of the Oakland Score to assess safe hospital discharge among adult patients with acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding in a single New Zealand Centre

BACKGROUND

Acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a common reason for hospital admission. However, the majority resolve spontaneously and only a minority require inpatient intervention. We aimed to describe the epidemiology and aetiology of acute LGIB admissions in our institution. We also aimed to validate the Oakland Score, which can identify patients at low risk of adverse outcome from LGIB, in our population and determine the proportion who could have safely avoided admission.

METHODS

Using the prospective, validated Otago Clinical Audit database (DIVA), we searched for adult patients admitted to Dunedin Hospital with a primary diagnosis of LGIB between January 2013 and December 2020. We retrieved data to calculate the Oakland Score and details of inpatient treatment from the electronic patient record. We excluded patients admitted electively, admissions related to inflammatory bowel disease, and those with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

RESULTS

We identified 761 patients of which 501 met inclusion criteria (56% male, median age 76 years, 82% NZ European). Overall, 72% were managed with observation or diagnostic endoscopy, 32% received blood products, and 7% required haemostatic intervention to control bleeding. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the Oakland Score was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.81-0.89). A cut-off score of ≤10 predicted a 95% probability of safely avoiding admission. This equates to saving 30 bed-days annually.

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients admitted with LGIB are managed conservatively. The Oakland Score could be used as a stratification tool to safely reduce the admission rate.

Gastrointestinal bleeding due to obstruction of the superior mesenteric vein

ABSTRACT

Gastrointestinal bleeding is a common clinical symptom. Finding the underlying cause is the first step for treatment. In a few patients, this can be difficult. The present work reports on the unusual case of a 53-year-old man who presented gastrointestinal bleeding. No bleeding site was found by gastrocolonoscopy or interventional examination, but after multidisciplinary consultation, we discovered that the cause of gastrointestinal bleeding was the obstruction of the upper mesenteric vein.

Is bowel preparation necessary for early colonoscopy in patients with suspected colonic diverticular bleeding?: A multicenter retrospective study with propensity score matching analysis

Objectives

There are few reports on bowel preparation for early colonoscopy in patients with suspected colonic diverticular bleeding (CDB). We aim to clarify in a retrospective, multicenter study.

Methods

In a multicenter retrospective cohort study at 10 institutions, we analyzed clinical features of patients diagnosed with CDB, who underwent early colonoscopy within 24 h. We compared patients who were prepared with polyethylene glycol lavage (PEL) and those without PEL. We evaluated the effects of PEL for early colonoscopy in patients with suspected CDB.

Results

A total of 129 (53%) underwent under preparation with PEL and 113 patients without PEL. The PEL group was younger, had fewer comorbidities, and had better performance status. After adjusting for these variables with propensity score matching, the PEL group had a significantly shorter hospital stay (7.9 ± 4.7 vs. 10.1 ± 5.2 days; p = 0.001), and a higher cecal intubation rate (91.1% vs. 50.0%; p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in adverse event rates, identification of stigmata of recent hemorrhage, or frequency in endoscopic hemostatic treatment.

Conclusions

PEL may be preferred for early colonoscopy in patients suspected of having CDB.

Early warning system enables accurate mortality risk prediction for acute gastrointestinal bleeding admitted to intensive care unit

Acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding are potentially life-threatening conditions. Early risk stratification is important for triaging patients to the appropriate level of medical care and intervention. Patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) has a high mortality, but risk tool is scarce for these patients. This study aimed to develop and validate a risk score to improve the prognostication of death at the time of patient admission to ICU. We developed and internally validated a nomogram for mortality in patients with acute GI bleeding from the eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU-CRD), and externally validated it in patients from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database (MIMIC-III) and Wuhan Tongji Hospital. The performance of the model was assessed by examining discrimination (C-index), calibration (calibration curves) and usefulness (decision curves). 4750 patients were included in the development cohort, with 1184 patients in the internal validation cohort, 1406 patients in the MIMIC-III validation cohort, and 342 patients in the Tongji validation cohort. The nomogram, which incorporated ten variables, showed good calibration and discrimination in the training and validation cohorts, yielded C-index ranged from 0.832 (95%CI 0.811-0.853) to 0.926 (95CI% 0.905-0.947). The nomogram-defined high-risk group had a higher mortality than the low-risk group (44.8% vs. 3.5%, P < 0.001; 41.4% vs 3.1%, P < 0.001;53.6% vs 7.5%, P < 0.001; 38.2% vs 4.2%, P < 0.001). The model performed better than the conventional Glasgow-Blatchford score, AIMS65 and the newer Oakland and Sengupta scores for mortality prediction in both the derivation and validation cohorts concerning discrimination and usefulness. Our nomogram is a reliable prognostic tool that might be useful to identify high-risk acute GI bleeding patients admitted to ICU.

Clinical outcomes of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in patients managed with lower endoscopy: A tertiary center results

BACKGROUND

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is an urgent presentation with increasing prevalence and remains a common cause of hospitalization. The clinical outcome can vary based on several factors, including the cause of bleeding, its severity, and the effectiveness of management strategies. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive report on the clinical outcomes observed in patients with LGIB who underwent lower endoscopy.

METHODS

All patients who underwent emergency lower endoscopy for fresh bleeding per rectum, from May 2015 to December 2021, were included. The primary outcome was to identify the rate of rebleeding after initial control of bleeding. The second was to measure the clinical outcomes and the potential predictors leading to intervention and readmission.

RESULTS

A total of 84 patients were included. Active bleeding was found in 20% at the time of endoscopy. Rebleeding within 90 days occurred in 6% of the total patients; two of which (2.38%) were within the same admission. Ninety-day readmission was reported in 19% of the cases. Upper endoscopy was performed in 32.5% of the total cases and was found to be a significant predictor for intervention (OR 4.1, P = 0.013). Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and initial use of sigmoidoscopy were found to be significant predictors of readmission [(OR 5.09, P = 0.008) and (OR 5.08, P = 0.019)].

CONCLUSIONS

LGIB is an emergency that must be identified and managed using an agreed protocol between all associated services to determine who needs upper GI endoscopy, ICU admission, or emergency endoscopy within 12 hours.

Review article: Advances in the management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a common emergency with substantial associated morbidity and mortality. Elective colonoscopy plays an essential role in management, with an even more important role for radiology in the acute setting. Recent advances in the management of patients with LGIB warrant review as the management has recently evolved.

AIMS

To provide a comprehensive and updated overview of advances in the approach to patients with LGIB METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature search to examine the current data for this narrative review supplemented by expert opinion.

RESULTS

The incidence of LGIB is increasing worldwide, partly related to an ageing population and the increasing use of antithrombotics. Diverticulosis continues to be the most common aetiology of LGIB. Pre-endoscopic risk stratification tools, especially the Oakland score, can aid appropriate patient triage. Adequate resuscitation continues to form the basis of management, while appropriate management of antithrombotics is crucial to balance the risk of worsening bleeding against increased cardiovascular risk. Radiological imaging plays an essential role in the diagnosis and treatment of acute LGIB, especially among unstable patients. Colonoscopy remains the gold-standard test for the elective management of stable patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of LGIB has evolved significantly in recent years, with a shift towards radiological interventions for unstable patients while reserving elective colonoscopy for stable patients. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to optimise the outcomes of patients with LGIB.

External Validation of the Oakland Score for Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Introduction Acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) presents challenges in emergency settings, with incidence influenced by demographic shifts and anticoagulant usage. The Oakland score aids in risk stratification for safe discharge based on clinical and laboratory parameters. However, external validation remains limited. Methods This study validated the Oakland score in a French cohort of patients with acute LGIB and assessed the discriminatory value of the score using the area under the curve (AUC) and then its sensitivity and specificity. Results A retrospective examination of 343 patient records that satisfied the inclusion criteria showed a median score of 14 points and good discriminatory capacity (area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve: 0.83). There was low sensitivity (20.9%) for safe discharge but good specificity (98.5%) when using an 8-point threshold. With a 9-point threshold, the sensitivity was increased to 36.5%, while the specificity remained at 95%. Conclusion Identifying low-risk LGIB patients is accomplished without sacrificing sensitivity by increasing the Oakland score threshold to 9 points. This modification improves patient safety and resource allocation in the emergency room and has been verified by other large series. For wider implementation, additional validation and long-term outcome evaluations are required.

External Validation of the Oakland Score for Predicting Safe Discharge in Patients Presenting With Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding at the William Harvey Hospital in the United Kingdom

Introduction Lower gastrointestinal bleeds (LGIB) are defined by having a bleeding point in the gastrointestinal tract beyond the ligament of Treitz. The most common causes include diverticular bleeds, tumours, and colitis. There are no National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines regarding safe discharge of patients with LGIB. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of the Oakland score, as suggested by the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) guidelines, in patients presenting with LGIB at William Harvey Hospital. Methods Patients with LGIB who presented to Accident & Emergency or inpatient referral from January to December 2023 were included in this retrospective study. Data was extracted from patients' Sunrise documentation. The Oakland score for each patient was calculated. Those with a score of ≤8 were deemed safe for discharge; those with a higher score were deemed unsuitable. Patients' admission, discharges, and adverse outcomes, such as representation, blood transfusion, or further intervention, were investigated. Patients with no adverse outcomes were deemed to have had a safe discharge. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for the Oakland score and adverse outcome (and therefore safe discharge) were calculated. Results A total of 123 patients were included. These led to a total of 144 LGIB presentations to the hospital. Twenty-nine patients had an Oakland score of ≤8; 21 (72.4%) cases were initially discharged with four representations (19.0%) and eight (27.6%) were admitted although none of these suffered from any adverse outcomes. For those who scored ≤8, 25 (86.2%) were therefore deemed to have had a safe discharge. A total of 115 had a score >8; 43 (37.4%) were initially discharged, 72 (62.6%) admitted and 41 (35.7%) experienced at least one adverse outcome including 16 (13.9%) representations, 21 (18.3%) blood transfusions, three (2.6%) surgical interventions and one (0.9%) endoscopic haemostasis. Out of the 115 cases which scored >8, 74 (64.3%) were deemed to have had a safe discharge. The AUROC for safe discharge was 0.84. Conclusion The Oakland score seems to be a safe and reliable tool for identifying LGIB patients who could be safely discharged home without hospital intervention. However, further research is required to assess whether a score of >8 could be used as many patients with a higher score did not experience adverse outcomes.

Urgent colonoscopy is not necessary in case of colonic diverticular bleeding without extravasation on contrast-enhanced computed tomography

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (ALGIB) increase with age and the administration of antiplatelet drugs. Colonic diverticular bleeding (CDB) is the most common cause of ALGIB, and endoscopic hemostasis is an effective treatment for massive CDB. But in patients without extravasation on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), the efficacy of urgent colonoscopy (UCS) is controversial from the point of the clinical course, including rebleeding rate. We aimed to establish a potential strategy including UCS for CDB patients without extravasation on CECT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients from two centers treated for CDB without extravasation on CECT between July 2014 and July 2019 were retrospectively identified (n = 282). Seventy-four underwent UCS, and 208 received conservative management. We conducted two analyses. The first analysis investigates the risk factors of rebleeding rate within 5 days after administration (very early rebleeding), and no UCS (NUCS) was not the independent factor of the very early rebleeding. The second analysis is whether UCS positively influenced the clinical course after hospitalization.

RESULTS

The prevalence of very early rebleeding and early rebleeding (6-30 days from admission), patients requiring blood transfusion within 0-5 days and 6-30 days post-admission, and duration of hospitalization were examined as clinical course factors between UCS and NUCS group. There was no significant difference between the UCS and non-UCS groups in the clinical course factors. UCS for the CDB patients without extravasation was not improved rebleeding rate and clinical course.

CONCLUSIONS

UCS is not necessary in case ofCDB patient without extravasation on CECT.