Acute endoscopic intervention in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Timing of Emergency Endoscopy for Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Literature Review

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common cause for Emergency Department and hospital admissions and has significant mortality and morbidity if it remains untreated. Upper endoscopy is the key procedure for both diagnosis and treatment of acute upper GI bleeding. The aim of this article is to review the optimal timing of endoscopy in patients with acute upper GI bleeding. The cost-effectiveness and the influence of urgent or emergent endoscopy on patients' outcomes are discussed. Also, we compare and contrast the available evidence and guidelines regarding the recommended time points for performing endoscopy in different clinical settings.

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Etiologies and Management

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a medical condition routinely encountered in clinical practice. Overt upper gastrointestinal bleeding usually presents as melena or hematemesis but can also present as hematochezia in cases of brisk bleeding. The initial evaluation of a patient with suspected upper gastrointestinal bleeding begins with assessment of hemodynamic status, identification of potential risk factors, and appropriate triage of level of care. After resuscitation measures, endoscopic evaluation can be performed to diagnose and potentially treat the source of bleeding. Risk factors that increase the propensity for recurrent bleeding should be identified and addressed.

[Repeated endoscopic hemostasis as an alternative to surgical treatment of patients with gastroduodenal ulcerative bleeding]

AIM

To define the role of endoscopic hemostasis in treatment of gastroduodenal ulcers complicated by bleeding.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The results of endoscopic hemostasis in 770 patients with peptic ulcers were analyzed.

RESULTS

Injection hemostasis had the highest efficacy in case of recurrent bleeding. No other method showed significant advantage in its efficiency. The efficacy of injection method was 52%, argon-plasma coagulation - 83.3%, radiowave technique - 78%, combined endoscopic method  - 96%. In case of recurrent bleeding endoscopic hemostasis is effective alternative to surgery especially in high-risk patients. Repeated endoscopic hemostasis significantly decreases mortality from 45% to 23% in case of recurrent bleeding.

Synergism between prior Anisakis simplex infections and intake of NSAIDs, on the risk of upper digestive bleeding: a case-control study

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between prior Anisakis infections and upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), and its interaction with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) intake.

Methods/Principal Findings

We conducted a hospital-based case-control study covering 215 UGIB cases and 650 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) with their confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated, as well as the ratio of the combined effects to the sum of the separate effects of Anisakis allergic sensitization and NSAIDs intake. Prior Anisakis infections were revealed by the presence of anti-Anisakis IgE antibodies specific to the recombinant Ani s 1 and Ani s 7 allergens used as the targets in indirect ELISA. Prior Anisakis infections (OR 1.74 [95% CI: 1.10 to 2.75]) and the intake of NSAIDs (OR 6.63 [95% CI: 4.21 to 10.43]) increased the risk of bleeding. Simultaneous NSAIDs intake and Anisakis allergic sensitization increased the risk of UGIB 14-fold (OR = 14.46 [95% CI: 6.08 to 34.40]). This interaction was additive, with a synergistic index of 3.01 (95% CI: 1.18–7.71).

Conclusions

Prior Anisakis infection is an independent risk factor for UGIB, and the joint effect with NSAIDs is 3 times higher than the sum of their individual effects.

Anisakiasis is a worldwide re-emerging disease produced by the consumption of raw, lightly cooked, smoked or marinated fish containing live Anisakis larvae. In acute anisakiasis, mucosal lesions generated by the larvae may provoke upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). However, the effect of past unnoticed Anisakis infections as a risk factor for UGIB, and a possible synergism with other risk factors such as NSAIDs intake, have never been investigated. In this case-control study we observed that: i) prior Anisakis infections and NSAIDs intake are two independent risk factors for UGIB, and ii) that both risk factors act synergistically to the extent that their joint effect is 3 times higher than the sum of their individual effects. We concluded that, in countries where Anisakis infections are frequent, it would be wise to determine parasite-specific IgE antibodies and to conduct a closer follow-up of patients who consume raw or lightly cooked fish and who are prescribed NSAIDs for long periods.

The impact of endoscopy and specialist care on 30-day mortality among patients with acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage: an Italian population-based study

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effects of endoscopy and care in a gastroenterology ward on 30-day mortality among Italian patients hospitalized for acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGIH).

METHODS

We conducted a population-based study based on administrative data contained in the Regional Hospital Information System (RHIS) for the Lazio Region (Italy). We identified all hospitalizations with a main diagnosis of UGIH during period 2000-2005. Discharge data were analyzed for procedures performed, ward where the patient was cared for, comorbidities, vital status at discharge. Vital status 30 days after admission was cross-checked with the Regional Registry of Causes of Death. Logistic regression models were performed taking into account patients' risk factors (OR and C.I. 95%).

RESULTS

A total of 13,427 hospitalizations for UGIH (mean patient age, 68 years; 60% males) were identified. The 30-day mortality was 6.9%. Significantly lower rates were observed among hospitalizations that included endoscopy (OR 0.30, 95% C.I. 0.26-0.34), specialist care (OR 0.55, 95% C.I. 0.37-0.82), or both (OR 0.12, 95% C.I. 0.07-0.22). The protective effects of endoscopy and specialist care remained strong after adjustment for potential risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopy, per se, reduces mortality among patients hospitalized for UGIH, and care in a gastroenterology ward may offer additional protective effects.

Management of Αcute Non-Variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Drugs, Endoscopic Hemostasis, or Both?

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding remains one of the most frequent and emergent conditions in everyday clinical practice and a challenge for doctors. Peptic ulcer is responsible for more than half of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding and is the most frequent cause of serious non-variceal bleeding. Despite progress in diagnosis and management in these patients, the recurrence of bleeding remains an important problem. Several drugs and endoscopic techniques, alone or in combination, have been evaluated in many studies and there is presently enough experience in terms of their efficacy. Endoscopic hemostasis is more effective than any other therapeutic intervention in the treatment of patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In patients with high risk of rebleeding spots, the combination of endoscopic hemostasis with high dose proton pump inhibitors is the most effective strategy to reduce bleeding recurrences and the need for surgery.

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

AIM

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.

METHODS

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's classification. Statistical analysis was made by the chi(2)-test and Yates' correction.

RESULTS

Most patients were in the two medium age groups with no significant difference between them (P < 0.001). NSAID or L-A (100 mg/day) use was reported in 42.73% of patients in a ratio 1:1 (P > 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 < 0.001) to other stigmata of recent bleeding, except for clean base.

CONCLUSIONS

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.

Non-surgical approach to bleeding gastric ulcer

Bleeding gastric ulcers is a common reason for emergency upper endoscopy in Emergency Center of Clinical Center of Serbia. Randomized controlled trials have shown that endoscopic hemostasis is beneficial for patients with a bleeding peptic ulcer. Aim of this study was to analyze the frequency, etiological factors and localization of bleeding gastric ulcer. At the same time we were evaluated a degree of bleeding activity according to Forrest?s classification and modality of performed endoscopic hemostasis. All patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy for bleeding gastric ulcer in Emergency Center (January 2001.- December 2005.) were identified from an endoscopy database and the clinical records were reviewed retrospectivel. A total of 3954 patients underwent UGI endoscopy for presumed acute UGI hemorrhage. More than thirty % of them(31,1)- 1230 had an endoscopic diagnosis of bleeding gastric ulcer. We observed 1230 bleeding patients (60 % male and 40 % female) with a mean age of 64,3. The commonest localization of bleeding gastric ulcers was antrum (54 - 15%). Percentage of patients who received non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or salicilates before bleeding was 54, 6%. The main symptom was melaena, which was observed in 82, 44% of patients with bleeding gastric ulcer. According to Forrest?s classification of bleeding activity, the most of patients had F IB and F III degree (23, 41% and 22, 76%). Injection endoscopic hemostasis was performed in 26,34% patients, which had active bleeding (F IA, F IB) Hemostasis was initially obtained in 96% of bleeding patients. Bleeding gastric ulcer is one of the commonest endoscopic diagnosis in Emergency Center of Clinical Center of Serbia. The most frequent etiology factor was no - steroid antinflamatory drugs and/or salicilates. Injection endoscopic hemostasis is a safe procedure with a low cost, and, if successful, substantially reduces the need for emergency surgery.

Interventional therapy for acute hemorrhage in gastrointestinal tract

AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic angiography and therapy for acute massive hemorrhage in gastrointestinal tract.

METHODS: Twenty-five cases of acute hemorrhage in gastrointestinal tract admitted between April 2002 and September 2004 were reviewed and analyzed by angiography and embolotherapy.

RESULTS: Fifteen patients were men and ten patients were women. The Seldinger technique and method of coaxial duct were used to get access to the bleeding region. PVA particles, gelfoam, and coils were used for embolism. All bleeding sites could be confirmed and were successfully embolized. Hemostasis was achieved in all the patients without bleeding again. The cure rate was 100%.

CONCLUSION: Interventional therapy can not only ascertain the bleeding site, but also stop the bleeding .The method is simple and the effect is certain.