The Effect of Octreotide in Acute Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Management of gastrointestinal bleed in the intensive care setting, an updated literature review

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a critical and potentially life-threatening condition frequently observed in the intensive care unit (ICU). This literature review consolidates current insights on the epidemiology, etiology, management, and outcomes of GI bleeding in critically ill patients. GI bleeding remains a significant concern, especially among patients with underlying risk factors such as coagulopathy, mechanical ventilation, and renal failure. Managing GI bleeding in the ICU requires a multidisciplinary approach, including resuscitation, endoscopic intervention, pharmacologic therapy, and sometimes surgical procedures. Even with enhanced management strategies, GI bleeding in the ICU is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, particularly when complicated by multi-organ failure. This review reiterates the need for adequate resuscitation and interventions in managing GI bleeding in critically ill patients, aiming to enhance survival rates and improve the quality of care within the ICU setting.

Practical Aspects of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Children

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGB) in children is a potentially life-threatening condition that represents a challenge for pediatricians and pediatric surgeons. It is defined as bleeding from any location within the upper esophagus to the ligament of Treitz. UGB can have many causes that vary with age. The impact on the child is often proportional to the amount of blood lost. This can range from mild bleeding that is unlikely to cause hemodynamic instability, to massive bleeding that requires admission to the intensive care unit. Proper and prompt management are very important factors in reducing morbidity and mortality. This article aims to summarize current research regarding the diagnosis and treatment of UGB. Most of the data used in the literature published on this subject is extrapolated from adulthood.

The clinical effect of emergency gastroscopy on upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage patients

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical effects of emergency gastroscopies on acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage patients.

METHODS

212 patients with acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhages were randomly divided into an experimental group (n=106) and a control group (n=106). The experimental group underwent emergency gastroscopies, and the control group underwent the traditional treatment. We measured the hemostasis effects, the treatment indexes, and the incidences of adverse reactions to assess the clinical effects. At the same time, we recorded the hemoglobin levels, the rebleeding rates, and the mortality rate to assess the hemostasis effect.

RESULTS

The hemostasis effect (the total hemostasis effective rate), the treatment index (the hemostasis time, stool occult blood turning negative time, bowel sound recovery time, and the blood transfusion volumes), the hemoglobin levels, the rebleeding rates, and the mortality were better in the EG than they were in the CG (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency gastroscopy is an effective treatment for acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage patients, because it improves the hemostasis effective rate and the survival rate. Clinical therapy effectively cures the hemorrhages in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhages.