Consensus recommendations for managing patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Efficacy of Endoscopic Tissue Adhesive in Patients with Gastrointestinal Tumor Bleeding

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal tumors bleeding remains a significantly clinical challenge due to its resistance to conventional endoscopic hemostasis methods. While the efficacy of endoscopic tissue adhesives (ETA) in variceal bleeding has been established, its role in gastrointestinal tumor bleeding (GITB) remains ambiguous.

AIMS

This study aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of ETA in the treatment of GITB.

METHODS

The study enrolled 30 patients with GITB who underwent hemostasis through Histoacryl® tissue glue injection. Hemostasis success rates, ETA-related adverse events, and re-bleeding rates were evaluated.

RESULTS

ETA application achieved successful hemostasis at all tumor bleeding sites, with immediate hemostasis observed in all 30 (100.0%) patients. Among the initially hemostasis cases, 5 patients (17.0%) experienced re-bleeding within 30 days, and the 60 day re-bleeding rate was 20.0% (6/30). Expect for one case of vascular embolism, no adverse events related with ETA application were reported. The 6 month survival was 93%.

CONCLUSION

ETA demonstrated excellent immediate hemostasis success rate in GITB cases and showed promising outcomes in prevention re-bleeding.

Recurrent Duodenal Ulcer After Gastroduodenal Artery Embolization Due to Coil Migration Successfully Removed Endoscopically Resulting in Ulcer Healing

Transarterial angiographic embolization using coils is an effective, common, and safe treatment for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) refractory to endoscopic therapy/management. Coil migration is a complication that can lead to rebleeding. Our patient experienced UGIB due to a recurring duodenal ulcer with coil protrusion following previous embolization for a bleeding duodenal ulcer that was not responsive to endoscopic therapy. The ulceration was successfully managed with endoscopic partial coil removal and medical therapy to achieve hemostasis and ulcer healing. Endoscopists should be aware of coil embolization complications and consider endoscopic removal in the appropriate clinical setting.

The effectiveness of Glasgow-Blatchford Score in early risk assessment of hemodialysis patients

In the emergency departments (ED), the incidence of admission is increasing gradually due to gastrointestinal system (GIS) complications of hemodialysis (HD) patients. With this increasing number of patients, there are many classification systems developed in early risk assessment before endoscopy. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the Glasgow-Blatchford Score's (GBS) effectiveness in HD patients with suspected GIS hemorrhage in the ED.The files of 169 patients who received HD treatment were retrospectively reviewed. 64 patients who were examined and treated for reasons other than GIS hemorrhage in the ED were excluded, and the files of a total of 105 were analyzed retrospectively. The demographic characteristics and laboratory values of the patients were recorded from the patient files. When the patients were evaluated according to GBS parameters, a significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of pulse pressure, systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin value, melena, and accompanying comorbid diseases (p < 0.05). Of the 16 patients who presented to the ED due to syncope, 2 were in the GIS hemorrhage (+) group, and 14 patients were in the control group. In this study, we aimed to show that the increase in the number of admissions in the ED due to complications secondary to HD treatment and the accompanying serious changes in laboratory parameters may cause misleading results in patients with suspected GIS hemorrhage, and it is necessary to plan comprehensive and multi-center studies on new alternative scoring systems to GBS in specific patient groups such as HD patients.

The risk factors for the recurrent upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage among acute peptic ulcer disease patients in Syria: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a life-threatening medical emergency characterized by bleeding from the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum. This study aims to analyze the risk factors for upper gastrointestinal tract rebleeding among acute peptic ulcer patients.

METHODS

This is a cohort clinical study conducted between July 2018 and June 2020. Patients admitted or hospitalized because of UGIB or developed it during their hospital stay were included.s The patients were divided into two groups for the statistical analysis using Forrest's ulcer rebleeding risk classification. Group 1: Forrest 1a+1b+2a+2b, and group 2: Forrest 2c+3. The fasting time before the endoscopic procedure was from 12 to 24 hours. Follow-ups were conducted for 30 days after the treatment.

RESULTS

The total number of included subjects was 152, out of which 57.89% (n = 88) were male patients. The mean SD for patients' age was 52.63 16.89±; more than 40% (n = 62) of subjects were using antiplatelet medications, while only 13.15% (n = 20) used NSAIDs, and the mean SD for the transferred units was 2.32 ± 1.88, 7.24% (n = 11) of patients died. After 30 days of the treatment, 6.57% (n = 10) of patients suffered from recurrent bleeding. The most common presentation was melena 67.95% (n = 103), 53% (n = 81) of patients had hematemesis, 69.73% (n = 106) patients had gastric ulcer and 30.26% (n = 46) had duodenal ulcers.

CONCLUSION

Age, NSAIDs, altered mental capacity, Forrest classification (Ia,Ib, and IIa), and blood transfusion were associated with a higher risk of rebleeding. Furthermore, patients who needed 3.83 blood units were at higher risk of recurrent bleeding.

Management of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: role of endoscopic ultrasound-guided treatments

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is a common type of upper gastrointestinal emergency with high risk of life-threatening conditions. Nowadays some standard guidelines for the treatments of NVUGIB have been established based on endoscopic therapies, including injection of glues or sclerosing agents, coiling, band ligation, and thermal therapies. Nevertheless, some patients are refractory to standard endoscopic treatments. We have noticed that endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided treatments have been performed by some endoscopists in certain conditions. This review aims to evaluate the role of EUS-guided treatments in the management of NVUGIB. We performed a MEDLINE/PubMed search, and relevant studies were extracted and examined. According to the existing literature, the most common lesions were Dieulafoy's lesion, pancreatic pseudoaneurysms, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. EUS-guided treatments mainly include injection, mechanical therapies, and combined therapies, and seem to be a promising technique in the management of NVUGIB, especially for refractory bleeding.

Latin American Association for the study of the liver (ALEH) practice guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) currently represents an epidemic worldwide. NAFLD is the most frequently diagnosed chronic liver disease, affecting 20-30% of the general population. Furthermore, its prevalence is predicted to increase exponentially in the next decades, concomitantly with the global epidemic of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and sedentary lifestyle. NAFLD is a clinical syndrome that encompasses a wide spectrum of associated diseases and hepatic complications such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, this disease is believed to become the main indication for liver transplantation in the near future. Since NAFLD management represents a growing challenge for primary care physicians, the Asociación Latinoamericana para el Estudio del Hígado (ALEH) has decided to organize this Practice Guidance for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, written by Latin-American specialists in different clinical areas, and destined to general practitioners, internal medicine specialists, endocrinologists, diabetologists, gastroenterologists, and hepatologists. The main purpose of this document is to improve patient care and awareness of NAFLD. The information provided in this guidance may also be useful in assisting stakeholders in the decision-making process related to NAFLD. Since new evidence is constantly emerging on different aspects of the disease, updates to this guideline will be required in future.

A case report of endovascular management of delayed upper gastrointestinal bleeding after open esophagectomy for a benign esophageal stricture

INTRODUCTION

Delayed upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a rare complication of esophagectomy and can be difficult to manage.

PRESENTATION

A 76-year-old female represented 17 days post open esophagectomy with an unstable upper GI bleed. When control could not be achieved endoscopically, she was transferred to the Radiology Department where a triphasic CT angiogram confirmed active contrast extravasation into the gastric tube. She proceeded to the Interventional Radiology suite where a thoracic angiogram revealed an active arterial bleed from a branch of the thyrocervical trunk. The bleeding vessel was successfully embolised with coils and haemostasis was achieved.

DISCUSSION

Management options for upper GI bleeding post esophagectomy include medical, endoscopic and endovascular approaches.

CONCLUSION

Our case represents a rare example of delayed bleeding into a gastric conduit post open esophagectomy for a benign stricture. The case reinforces.

Intraluminal Endovascular Coil Migration: A Rare Complication Post-Embolization of the Gastroduodenal Artery for a Previously Bleeding Duodenal Ulcer

Transarterial angiographic embolization is a highly effective, safe treatment for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding refractory to endoscopic intervention. However, intraluminal coil migration is a possible complication. Coil migration, while usually a self-limiting process, can lead to significant rebleeding. In our case, a patient presented with a life-threatening duodenal ulcer hemorrhage, likely precipitated by intraluminal endovascular coil migration after a recent gastro-duodenal artery embolization. He was successfully managed without endoscopic coil removal and had no additional gastrointestinal bleeding. It is important for endoscopists to be aware of this complication and weigh the risks and benefits of coil removal.

Risk Factor Analysis And Method Development For Predicting The Recurrence Of Gastroduodenal Ulcer Bleeding

Objective — To clarify clinical, laboratory and endoscopic signs of a high recurrence risk of gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding (GDUB) and to develop a multifactorial method for its prediction. Material and Methods — The research was completed over 2019-2020. The study took place in two stages. At the first stage, 409 patients with GDUB, who were treated at the emergency surgical department of Saratov City Clinical Hospital No. 6 from 1991 to 2000, were included in the study. During that time, endoscopic hemostasis therapy was used in a few cases, while modern antisecretory therapy has not yet been developed and carried out. Two groups of patients were compared: with recurrent bleeding (104 patients) and without recurrent bleeding (305 patients). At the second stage, a retrospective analysis of the outcomes of treating 126 patients with GDUB, cared for at the clinic from 2001 to 2009, was carried out. During this period of time, assistance for this pathology was the most complete and matched all current standards. The analysis included 63 patients with recurrent bleeding and 63 patients without recurrent bleeding. We conducted a comparative analysis of the developed method for predicting bleeding recurrence versus the classifications by J.A. Forrest (1974) and G.P. Giderim (1992) in our original modification. Results — At the first stage of the study, the most significant signs for predicting recurrent bleeding were identified as unstable hemodynamics, severity of blood loss, nature of vomiting, presence of concomitant pathology, state of the ulcer surface sensu J.A. Forrest; and localization, size and depth of the ulcer. We determined their informative value in assessing the risk of recurrent bleeding and developed a novel method of its prediction. Taken alone, each of nine predictive signs has a correlation, comparable in the magnitude with patient allocation into each group (based on the absolute value of gamma, ranging 0.49–0.66); the prediction accuracy is 60–74%, with a positive predictive value of 35-49%. The measure of the gamma relationship for splitting patients among groups by the original method based on nine features in conjunction with each other was -0.79 (p<0.001). Conclusion — Prediction of recurrent bleeding by one or two signs is inferior in informational content (although insignificantly) to the multifactorial method. The developed method for predicting the recurrence of ulcer bleeding from nine signs has an optimal ratio of sensitivity and specificity, which ensures a prediction accuracy of over 70% and a positive predictive value of 68.9%.

Predictors of endoscopic intervention in upper gastrointestinal bleeding patients hospitalized for another illness: a multi-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

To characterize variables that may predict the need for endoscopic intervention in inpatients admitted for several causes who during the hospitalization developed acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of inpatients who underwent upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy for acute NVUGIB while hospitalized for other causes from 1 January 2016 to 1 December 2017, was performed. In the primary outcome analysis, patients (N.=14) who underwent endoscopic intervention (group A) were compared to those (N.=87) who did not need for endoscopic intervention (group B). Secondary outcome analysis included patients who had significant endoscopic findings compared to those who did not have them.

RESULTS

Multivariate regression analysis showed that in the primary outcome analysis, two parameters were significant: the number of packed red blood cells (PRBC) units transfused (odds ratio [OR]: 1.5, P=0.01) and Rockall Score (RS) (OR: 1.4, P=0.06) with receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.7844. In the secondary outcome analysis, only the use of proton pump inhibitor drugs at admission was associated with protective effect for the development of significant endoscopic findings (odds ratio [OR]: 0.42, P=0.05) with ROC curve of 0.7342.

CONCLUSIONS

In hospitalized patients, in case of de novo NVUGIB, the number of PRBC units transfused and RS are predictive of significant endoscopic findings.

Multicenter case series of patients with small-bowel angiodysplasias treated with a small-bowel radiofrequency ablation catheter

Background and Aims

GI angiodysplasia is the most common cause of small-bowel bleeding. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is preferred for ablation because of its availability, ease of use, and perceived safety, but it has limitations. An instrument capable of repeated use through the enteroscope, which covers more area of intestinal mucosa per treatment with low risk of damage to healthy mucosa, and which improves ablation, is desirable. A series of patients treated with a through-the-scope radiofrequency ablation (RFA) catheter is reported.

Methods

Patients with a previous diagnosis of small-bowel angiodysplasia (SBA) and ongoing bleeding with melena, hematochezia, or iron-deficiency anemia were eligible for treatment. A small-bowel radiofrequency ablation (SBRFA) catheter was passed through the enteroscope instrument channel. The treatment paddle was pushed against the SBA, achieving coaptive coagulation, and the SBA was treated up to 2 times at standard settings of 10 J/cm². The patients' demographics, pretreatment and posttreatment hemoglobin levels, time to recurrence of bleeding, and need for more therapy were recorded. This study was approved by the institutional review boards of the respective institutions.

Results

Twenty consecutive patients were treated from March until October 2018 and followed up until March 2019. There were 6 women (average age 68 years, standard deviation ± 11.1), and 14 men (average age 73 years, standard deviation ± 10.4). All had undergone at least 1 previous EGD and colonoscopy; 14 patients (70%) had SBA on video capsule endoscopy, and 14 patients had undergone previous endoscopic treatment of SBA with APC. A median of 23 treatments were applied (range, 2-99). The median follow-up time was 195 days (range, 30-240 days). Four patients, including 3 with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), had recurrent bleeding between 45 and 210 days after treatment, and 2 patients received repeated blood transfusions. Three of those patients underwent repeated endoscopies, including a push enteroscopy and an upper endoscopy with no treatment, and a repeated enteroscopy with SBA treated with APC, respectively. One patient with LVAD underwent arterial embolization.

Conclusions

In this case series, bleeding recurred in 20% of patients in a follow-up time of ≤240 days. Notably, 3 of the 4 patients who had recurrent bleeding had an LVAD. These rates compare favorably with reported bleeding recurrence after APC of SBA. More studies on the benefits of SBRFA, which may include reduced risk of recurrent bleeding or prolonging the time to recurrent bleeding, resource utilization, and factors associated with bleeding recurrence are needed.

Clinical Approach to and Work-up of Bleeding Patients

A bleeding patient is a common consult for interventional radiologists. Prompt triage, preprocedural evaluation specific to the site of hemorrhage, and knowledge of resuscitative strategies allow for a potentially life-saving procedure to be appropriately and safely performed. Having a firm understanding of the clinical work-up and management of a bleeding patient has never been more important. In this article, a discussion of the clinical approach and work-up of a bleeding patient for whom interventional radiology is consulted is followed by a discussion of etiology-specific preprocedural work-up.

In-hospital acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: What is the scope of the problem?

BACKGROUND

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB) is a frequently encountered condition in the Gastroenterology field with a mortality rate of 10-14%. Despite recent newer innovations and advancements in endoscopic techniques and available medications, the mortality rate associated with AUGIB remained persistently elevated.

AIM

To explore mortality, characteristics and outcome differences between hospitalized patients who develop AUGIB while in-hospital, and patients who initially present with AUGIB.

METHODS

This is a retrospective of patients who presented to Northwell Health Staten Island University Hospital from October 2012 to October 2016 with AUGIB that was confirmed endoscopically. Patients were divided in two groups: Group 1 comprised patients who developed AUGIB during their hospital stay; group 2 consisted of patients who initially presented with AUGIB as their main complaint. Patient characteristics, time to endoscopy, endoscopy findings and interventions, and clinical outcomes were collected and compared between groups.

RESULTS

A total of 336 patients were included. Group 1 consisted of 139 patients and group 2 of 196 patients. Mortality was significantly higher in the 1st group compared to the 2nd (20% vs 3.1%, P ≤ 0.05). Increased length of stay (LOS) was noted in the 1st group (13 vs 6, P ≤ 0.05). LOS post-endoscopy, vasopressor use, number of packed red blood cell units and patients requiring fresh frozen plasma were higher in group 1. Inpatients were more likely to be on corticosteroids, antiplatelets and anticoagulants. Conversely, the mean time from bleeding to undergoing upper endoscopy was significantly lower in group 1 compared to group 2.

CONCLUSION

In-hospital AUGIB is associated with high mortality and morbidity despite a shorter time to endoscopy. Larger scale studies assessing the role of increased comorbidities and antithrombotic use in this setting are warranted.

Management of Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Guideline Recommendations From the International Consensus Group

DESCRIPTION

This update of the 2010 International Consensus Recommendations on the Management of Patients With Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding (UGIB) refines previous important statements and presents new clinically relevant recommendations.

METHODS

An international multidisciplinary group of experts developed the recommendations. Data sources included evidence summarized in previous recommendations, as well as systematic reviews and trials identified from a series of literature searches of several electronic bibliographic databases from inception to April 2018. Using an iterative process, group members formulated key questions. Two methodologists prepared evidence profiles and assessed quality (certainty) of evidence relevant to the key questions according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach. Group members reviewed the evidence profiles and, using a consensus process, voted on recommendations and determined the strength of recommendations as strong or conditional.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Preendoscopic management: The group suggests using a Glasgow Blatchford score of 1 or less to identify patients at very low risk for rebleeding, who may not require hospitalization. In patients without cardiovascular disease, the suggested hemoglobin threshold for blood transfusion is less than 80 g/L, with a higher threshold for those with cardiovascular disease. Endoscopic management: The group suggests that patients with acute UGIB undergo endoscopy within 24 hours of presentation. Thermocoagulation and sclerosant injection are recommended, and clips are suggested, for endoscopic therapy in patients with high-risk stigmata. Use of TC-325 (hemostatic powder) was suggested as temporizing therapy, but not as sole treatment, in patients with actively bleeding ulcers. Pharmacologic management: The group recommends that patients with bleeding ulcers with high-risk stigmata who have had successful endoscopic therapy receive high-dose proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy (intravenous loading dose followed by continuous infusion) for 3 days. For these high-risk patients, continued oral PPI therapy is suggested twice daily through 14 days, then once daily for a total duration that depends on the nature of the bleeding lesion. Secondary prophylaxis: The group suggests PPI therapy for patients with previous ulcer bleeding who require antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy for cardiovascular prophylaxis.

Comparison of risk scores and shock index in hemodynamically stable patients presenting to the emergency department with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

OBJECTIVE

Risk assessment in nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is not well validated and remains unclear in hemodynamically stable patients at emergency department admission. We compared the prognostic value of risk-scoring systems for predicting adverse outcomes in patients with nonvariceal UGIB and normotension.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

A single-center prospective observational study was carried out. Patients with consecutive nonvariceal UGIB, presenting with normotension (systolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg) to the emergency department, were included. We compared the areas under the curves (AUC) of Glasgow Blatchford score (GBS), the pre-endoscopy Rockall score, AIMS65, the shock index, and the modified shock index with respect to adverse outcomes defined as embolization, surgery, ICU admission, rebleeding, and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

In total, 1233 patients were included. Adverse outcomes occurred in 165 (13.4%) patients; in-hospital mortality was 1.2%. AUC of the GBS for adverse outcome was higher than that of the shock index, but not significantly different (0.647 vs. 0.569, P=0.23). AUC values of the modified shock index, AIMS65, and the pre-endoscopy Rockall score were 0.565, 0.593, and 0.533, respectively. The cut-off value of the GBS (≥8) was associated with 85% sensitivity and 35% specificity for predicting adverse outcome.

CONCLUSION

Pre-existing risk scores have shown suboptimal predictive ability for adverse events in normotensive patients with nonvariceal UGIB. The GBS (≥8) might help to identify patients prone to adverse events; however, further studies with risk scores or new scores are needed because of the low accuracy of these scores.

Clinical Outcome of the Visible Coil During Endoscopy After Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Gastrointestinal Bleeding

PURPOSE

This study was designed to evaluate the clinical outcome of the visible coil during endoscopy after transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for gastrointestinal bleeding.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1415 patients who underwent TAE for gastrointestinal bleeding between 2001 and 2017. Among these 1415 patients, 70 underwent TAE using coils and consecutive follow-up endoscopy. Finally, 11 patients with an extravascular coil seen on follow-up endoscopic examination were included in this study. We evaluated the underlying cause of the gastrointestinal bleeding, the technical and clinical success rates, the type of extravascular coil after TAE, and the clinical outcomes of the extravascular coil seen on follow-up endoscopic examination.

RESULTS

Of the 11 patients, the most common underlying cause of gastrointestinal bleeding was a duodenal ulcer (n = 7). On angiography, the bleeding artery was most commonly found in the gastroduodenal artery (n = 6). The technical success and clinical success rates of TAE were 100% and 90.9%, respectively. The type of extravascular coil found on endoscopic examination was classified by submucosal migration (n = 6) and protrusion (n = 5). On second-look endoscopic evaluation, 10 of 11 (90.9%) patients showed healing ulceration. On the final-look endoscopic evaluation, healing ulceration without further bleeding was seen in one (9.1%) patient and scar formation was seen in ten (90.9%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Extravascular coil after TAE for gastrointestinal bleeding is rare, and the most common underlying cause is duodenal ulcer bleeding. The extravascular coils eventually show a healing process with adequate treatment of underlying bowel pathologies.

Massive transfusion in upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a new scoring system

Background: Massive transfusion in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) was not investigated. We developed a new scoring system to predict massive transfusion and to enhance care and early resource mobilization. Methods: Massive transfusion was defined as transfusion with ≥10 units of red blood cells within the first 24 h. Data were extracted from a 10-year, six-hospital database. Logistic regression was applied to derive a risk score for massive transfusion using data from 2006 to 2010, in 24,736 patients (developmental cohort). The score was then validated using data from 2011 to 2015 in 27,449 patients (validation cohort). Area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was performed to assess prediction accuracy. Results: Five characteristics were independently associated (p < .001) with massive transfusion: presence of band-form cells among white blood cells (band form >0), international normalized ratio (INR) >1.5, pulse >100 beats per minute or systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg (shock), haemoglobin <8.0 g/dL and endoscopic therapy. The new scoring system successfully discriminated well between UGIB patients requiring massive transfusion and those who did not in both cohorts (AUROC: 0.831, 95%CI: 0.827-0.836; AUROC: 0.822, 95% CI: 0.817-0.826, respectively). Conclusions: The new scoring system predicts massive transfusion requirement in patients with UGIB well. Key messages Massive transfusion is a life-saving management in massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding. How to identify patients requiring massive transfusion in upper gastrointestinal bleeding is poorly documented. Approximately 3.9% of upper gastrointestinal bleeding patients require massive transfusion. A new scoring system is developed to identify patients requiring massive transfusion with high accuracy.

Early Risk Score for Predicting Hypotension in Normotensive Patients with Non-Variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleedin

Risk assessment for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is important; however, current scoring systems are insufficient. We aimed to develop and validate a prediction model for rapidly determining the occurrence of hypotension in non-variceal UGIB patients with normotension (systolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg) at emergency department presentation. In this prospective observational cohort study, consecutive non-variceal UGIB patients between January 2012 and April 2017 were enrolled. We developed and validated a new prediction model through logistic regression, with the occurrence of hypotension <24 h as the primary outcome. Among 3363 UGIB patients, 1439 non-variceal UGIB patients were included. The risk factors for the occurrence of hypotension were lactate level, blood in nasogastric tube, and systolic blood pressure. The area under the curve (AUC) of the new scoring model (LBS—Lactate, Blood in nasogastric tube, Systolic blood pressure) in the development cohort was 0.74, higher than the value of 0.64 of the Glasgow–Blatchford score for predicting the occurrence of hypotension. The AUC of the LBS score in the validation cohort was 0.83. An LBS score of ≤2 had a negative predictive value of 99.5% and an LBS score of ≥7 had a specificity of 97.5% in the validation cohort. The new LBS score stratifies normotensive patients with non-variceal UGIB at risk for developing hypotension.

Red cell distribution width and platelet indices as predictors in determining the prognosis of upper gastrointestinal system bleeding

Background and Aim: Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB) is one of the most common medical emergencies. Early detection of at-risk patients is beneficial with respect to treatment and prognosis. We investigated whether severity of ulcers were associated with red blood cell distribution width (RDW), plateletcrit (PCT), mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW). Materials and Methods: All patients presenting to the emergency department with AUGIB between January 2014 and December 2017 were included in the study. Endoscopy reports, complete blood counts, patient demographic characteristics, and endoscopy results were obtained retrospectively from hospital records. Patients with grade I or grade II ulcers (based on the Forrest classification) were compared in regard to these parameters. Results: In total, 373 male and 211 female patients with a mean age ± SD of 66.36 ± 17.36 were included in this study. Ulcers were detected in 396 of 584 patients (67.8%). There were no differences with respect to RDW or platelet indices between groups. Conclusions: Patients presenting with AUGIB should receive rapid diagnosis and treatment. In this study of patients with AUGIB grouped by bleeding aetiology, probable early prognostic parameters were not associated with bleeding severity among patients diagnosed with gastric or duodenal ulcers.

[Clinical Outcomes of Angiography and Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Analyses according to Bleeding Sites and Embolization Types]

Background/Aims

The clinical outcomes of angiography and transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for acute gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) have not been completely assessed, especially according to bleeding sites. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of angiography and safety of TAE in acute GIB.

Methods

This was a retrospective study evaluating the records of 321 patients with acute GIB who underwent angiography with or without TAE. Targeted TAE was conducted in 134 patients, in whom angiography showed bleeding sources. Prophylactic TAE was performed in 29 patients when the bleeding source was not detected but a specific vessel was strongly suspected by other examinations. The rate of technical success, clinical success, and complications were analyzed.

Results

The detection rate of bleeding source via angiography was 50.8% (163/321), which was not different according to the bleeding sites. The detection rate was higher if the probable bleeding source had already been found by another investigation (59.7% vs. 35.8%, p<0.001). TAE sites were upper GIB in 67, mid GIB in 74, and lower GIB in 22. The technical success rate was 99.3% (133/134), and the clinical success rate was 63.0% (104/163). The prophylactic embolization group showed lower clinical success rate than the targeted embolization group (44.8% vs. 67.9%, p=0.06). The TAE-related complication rate was 12.9% (21/163). Ischemia and/or infarction was more common after TAE for mid and lower GIB than for upper GIB (15.6% vs. 3.0%, p=0.007).

Conclusions

Angiography with or without TAE was an effective method for acute GIB. Targeted embolization should be performed if possible given that it has a higher clinical success rate.

Factors Associated with Rebleeding in Patients with Peptic Ulcer Bleeding: Analysis of the Korean Peptic Ulcer Bleeding (K-PUB) Study

Background/Aims

Rebleeding is associated with mortality in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB), and risk stratification is important for the management of these patients. The purpose of our study was to examine the risk factors associated with rebleeding in patients with PUB.

Methods

The Korean Peptic Ulcer Bleeding registry is a large prospectively collected database of patients with PUB who were hospitalized between 2014 and 2015 at 28 medical centers in Korea. We examined the basic characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients in this registry. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with rebleeding.

Results

In total, 904 patients with PUB were registered, and 897 patients were analyzed. Rebleeding occurred in 7.1% of the patients (64), and the 30-day mortality was 1.0% (nine patients). According to the multivariate analysis, the risk factors for rebleeding were the presence of co-morbidities, use of multiple drugs, albumin levels, and hematemesis/hematochezia as initial presentations.

Conclusions

The presence of co-morbidities, use of multiple drugs, albumin levels, and initial presentations with hematemesis/hematochezia can be indicators of rebleeding in patients with PUB. The wide use of proton pump inhibitors and prompt endoscopic interventions may explain the low incidence of rebleeding and low mortality rates in Korea.

An ingestible bacterial-electronic system to monitor gastrointestinal health

Biomolecular monitoring in the gastrointestinal tract could offer rapid, precise disease detection and management but is impeded by access to the remote and complex environment. Here, we present an ingestible micro-bio-electronic device (IMBED) for in situ biomolecular detection based on environmentally resilient biosensor bacteria and miniaturized luminescence readout electronics that wirelessly communicate with an external device. As a proof of concept, we engineer heme-sensitive probiotic biosensors and demonstrate accurate diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding in swine. Additionally, we integrate alternative biosensors to demonstrate modularity and extensibility of the detection platform. IMBEDs enable new opportunities for gastrointestinal biomarker discovery and could transform the management and diagnosis of gastrointestinal disease.

Elevated lactate level predicts intensive care unit admissions, endoscopies and transfusions in patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding

Background and aims

Initial clinical management decision in patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is often based on identifying high- and low-risk patients. Little is known about the role of lactate measurement in the triage of patients with acute GIB. We intended to assess if lactate on presentation is predictive of need for intervention in patients with acute GIB.

Patients and methods

We performed a single-center, retrospective, cross-sectional study including patients ≥18 years old presenting to emergency with acute GIB between January 2014 and December 2014. Intensive care unit (ICU) admission, inpatient endoscopy (upper endoscopy and/or colonoscopy), and packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion were assessed as outcomes. Analyses included univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

Of 1,237 patients with acute GIB, 468 (37.8%) had venous lactate on presentation. Of these patients, 165 (35.2%) had an elevated lactate level (>2.0 mmol/L). Patients with an elevated lactate level were more likely to be admitted to ICU than patients with a normal lactate level (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.74–5.01; p<0.001). Patients with an elevated lactate level were more likely to receive PRBC transfusion (AOR 3.65, 95% CI 1.76–7.55; p<0.001) and endoscopy (AOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.02–2.65; p=0.04) than patients with a normal lactate level.

Conclusion

Elevated lactate level predicts the need for ICU admissions, transfusions, and endoscopies in patients with acute GIB. Lactate measurement may be a useful adjunctive test in the triage of patients with acute GIB.

Predictors of in-hospital mortality in a cohort of elderly Egyptian patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) affects large number of elderly with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Early identification and management of the factors predicting in-hospital mortality might decrease mortality. This study was conducted to identify the causes of acute UGIB and the predictors of in-hospital mortality in elderly Egyptian patients.286 elderly patients with acute UGIB were divided into: bleeding variceal group (161 patients) and bleeding nonvariceal group (125 patients). Patients' monitoring was done during hospitalization to identify the risk factors that might predict in-hospital mortality in elderly.Variceal bleeding was the most common cause of acute UGIB in elderly Egyptian patients. In-hospital mortality rate was 8.74%. Increasing age, hemodynamic instability at presentation, co-morbidities (especially liver cirrhosis associated with other co-morbidity) and failure to control bleeding were the predictors of in-hospital mortality.Increasing age, hemodynamic instability at presentation, co-morbidities (especially liver cirrhosis associated with other co-morbidity) and failure to control bleeding should be considered when triaging those patients for immediate resuscitation, close observation, and early treatment.

Survival of patients with cirrhosis and acute peptic ulcer bleeding compared with variceal bleeding using current first-line therapies

The presence of cirrhosis increases the mortality of patients with peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB). Both acute variceal bleeding (AVB) and PUB are associated with substantial mortality in cirrhosis. This multicenter cohort study was performed to assess whether the mortality of patients with cirrhosis with PUB is different from that of those with AVB. Patients with cirrhosis and acute gastrointestinal bleeding were consecutively included and treated with somatostatin and proton pump inhibitor infusion from admission and with antibiotic prophylaxis. Emergency endoscopy with endoscopic therapy was performed within the first 6 hours. 646 patients with AVB and 144 with PUB were included. There were baseline differences between groups, such as use of gastroerosive drugs or β-blockers. Child-Pugh and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease MELD scores were similar. Further bleeding was more frequent in the AVB group than those in the PUB group (18% vs. 10%; odds ratio [OR] = 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.29-0.88). However, mortality risk at 45 days was similar in both groups (19% in the AVB group vs. 17% in the PUB group; OR = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.55-1.33; P = 0.48). Different parameters, such as Child-Pugh score, acute kidney injury, acute on chronic liver failure, or presence of shock or bacterial infection, but not the cause of bleeding, were related to the risk of death. Only 2% of the PUB group versus 3% of the AVB group died with uncontrolled bleeding (P = 0.39), whereas the majority of patients in either group died from liver failure or attributed to other comorbidities.

CONCLUSION

Using current first-line therapy, patients with cirrhosis and acute peptic ulcer bleeding have a similar survival than those with variceal bleeding. The risk of further bleeding is higher in patients with variceal hemorrhage. However, few patients in both groups died from uncontrolled bleeding, rather the cause of death was usually related to liver failure or comorbidities. (Hepatology 2018;67:1458-1471).

Evaluation and management of Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The most common causes include peptic ulcer disease, Mallory-Weiss syndrome, erosive gastritis, duodenitis, esophagitis, malignancy, angiodysplasias and Dieulafoy's lesion. Initial assessment and early aggressive resuscitation significantly improves outcomes. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy continues to be the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment. We present a comprehensive review of literature for the evaluation and management of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Severity and Outcomes of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding With Bloody Vs. Coffee-Grounds Hematemesis

OBJECTIVES

Numerous reviews indicate bloody hematemesis signifies more severe bleeding than coffee-grounds hematemesis. We assessed severity and outcomes related to bleeding symptoms in a prospective study.

METHODS

Consecutive patients presenting with hematemesis or melena were categorized as bloody emesis (N=1209), coffee-grounds emesis without bloody emesis (N=701), or melena without hematemesis (N=1069). We assessed bleeding severity (pulse, blood pressure) and predictors of outcome (hemoglobin, risk stratification scores) at presentation, and outcomes of bleeding episodes. The primary outcome was a composite of transfusion, intervention, or mortality.

RESULTS

Bloody and coffee-grounds emesis were similar in pulse ≥100 beats/min (35 vs. 37%), systolic blood pressure ≤100 mm Hg (12 vs. 12%), and hemoglobin ≤100 g/l (25 vs. 27%). Risk stratification scores were lower with bloody emesis. The composite end point was 34.7 vs. 38.2% for bloody vs. coffee-grounds emesis; mortality was 6.6 vs. 9.3%. Hemostatic intervention was more common (19.4 vs. 14.4%) with bloody emesis (due to a higher frequency of varices necessitating endoscopic therapy), as was rebleeding (7.8 vs. 4.5%). Outcomes were worse with hematemesis plus melena vs. isolated hematemesis for bloody (composite: 62.4 vs. 25.6%; hemostatic intervention: 36.5 vs. 13.8%) and coffee-grounds emesis (composite: 59.1 vs. 27.1%; hemostatic intervention: 26.4 vs. 8.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Bloody emesis is not associated with more severe bleeding episodes at presentation or higher mortality than coffee-grounds emesis, but is associated with modestly higher rates of hemostatic intervention and rebleeding. Outcomes with hematemesis are worsened with concurrent melena. The presence of bloody emesis plus melena potentially could be considered in decisions regarding timing of endoscopy.

Potential role for emergency physicians with endoscopy training in the treatment of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage: a retrospective observational study

Aim

Urgent endoscopy is essential in gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Emergency physicians with endoscopy training treat patients with GI bleeding in our hospital. We compared the management and clinical outcomes of GI bleeding cases between those treated by an emergency physician (EP) and those treated by a non‐emergency physician (NEP; e.g., gastroenterologist or general surgeon).

Methods

We undertook a retrospective chart review of upper GI bleeding cases treated using endoscopy in the emergency department between 2012 and 2014. We examined patients characteristics, endoscopic findings, hemostatic procedures, need for transfusion, rebleeding and adverse events, length of hospital stay, and mortality.

Results

The EP group included 33 patients (39%) and the NEP group included 51 (61%). Patient characteristics and diseases did not differ between the groups. The EP group underwent urgent endoscopy more often (100% versus 86%, P = 0.04). Procedure times were not statistically different between the groups. The EP group had fewer hemostatic procedures (42% versus 65%, P = 0.04). Transfusion requirements were lower in the EP group (0.5 U versus 2.1 U, P = 0.006). There were no statistical differences in rebleeding and adverse events. The length of hospital stay was shorter (8 versus 11 days, P = 0.03) and the in‐hospital mortality rate was lower in the EP group (0% versus 13.7%, P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Short‐term outcomes in GI bleeding cases managed by emergency physicians with endoscopy training were comparable to those by gastroenterologists and general surgeons. However, the extent of endoscopic training and experience emergency physicians should have remains unclear.

Characteristics and outcomes of gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding: a single-centre experience in Lithuania

Introduction

Despite the optimal use of combined endoscopic haemostasis and pharmacologic control of acid secretion in the stomach, mortality in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) has remained constant. Recent data has shown that the majority of patients with PUB die of non-bleeding-related causes.

Aim

To provide an overview of our experience of PUB management, with emphasis on the effect of age, gender, comorbidities, and drug use on the characteristics and outcomes of gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding.

Material and methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients admitted with the primary diagnosis of acute, chronic or unspecified gastric and/or duodenal ulcer with haemorrhage during 2008–2012.

Results

Two hundred and nineteen patients were identified. 46.6% of patients were ≥ 65 years old (elderly) and 53.4% were < 65 years old (young). The young patients were more likely to have duodenal ulcers and liver failure at admission. Previous use of medications was more regularly observed in gastric ulcer patients than in duodenal ulcer patients. Rebleeding occurred in 43 (19.6%) patients and death in 5 (2.3%) patients. Increased risk of mortality in our patients was associated with age ≥ 65 years (RR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.90–2.56; p = 0.021).

Conclusions

Management of peptic ulcer bleeding should aim at reducing the risk of multiorgan failure and cardiopulmonary death instead of focusing merely on successful haemostasis.

High-dose vs. Low-dose Proton Pump Inhibitors post-endoscopic hemostasis in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer. A meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Present meta-analysis aims to evaluate studies of low- versus high-dose proton pump Inhibitors (PPI) post-endoscopic hemostasis, including the newly published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and to conclude whether low-dose PPI can generate the comparable results as high-dose PPI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To identify suitable trials, the electronic databases PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, and the Embase were used. All RCTs concerning low- versus high-dose PPI administration post-endoscopic hemostasis published until December 2016 were identified. Primary outcomes were rebleeding rates, need for surgical intervention, and mortality.

RESULTS

Studies included a total of 1.651 participants. There were significantly less cases of rebleeding in the low-dose PPI treatment arm (p=0.003). All but one study provided data concerning need for Surgical Intervention and Mortality. The respective effect sizes were [odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.35, 0.72-2.53] and [OR, 95% CI: 1.20, 0.70-2.05]. Both treatment arms were comparable considering the aforementioned outcomes (p=0.35 and p=0.51, respectively). Meta-regression analysis likewise unveiled comparable outcomes between studies using pantoprazole versus lansoprazole concerning all three outcomes [rebleeding (p=0.944), surgical intervention (p=0.884), and mortality (p=0.961)].

CONCLUSION

A low-dose PPI treatment is equally effective as a high-dose PPI treatment following endoscopic arresting of bleeding. However, we anticipate the completion of more high-quality RCTs that will embrace distinct ethnicities, standardized endoscopic diagnosis and management, double-blind strategies, and appraisal of results working specific standards over clear-cut follow-up periods.

Risk factors for mortality among patients admitted with upper gastrointestinal bleeding at a tertiary hospital: a prospective cohort study

Background

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common gastrointestinal emergency, which is potentially fatal. Proper management of UGIB requires risk-stratification of patients which can guide the type and aggressiveness of management. The aim of this was study was identify the causes of UGIB and factors that increase the risk of mortality in these patients.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study conducted over a period of seven months at a tertiary hospital. Adults admitted with UGIB were included in the study. Demographic data, laboratory parameters and endoscopic findings were recorded. Patients were then followed up for 60 days to identify the occurrence of mortality. Chi-square tests and cox-regression was used to determine association between risk factors and mortality in the bivariate and multivariate analysis, respectively.

Results

A total of 170 patients with UGIB were included. Males accounted for the majority (71.2%). Median age of the study population was 40.0 years. Chronic liver disease was present in 30.6% of study patients. The most common cause of UGIB among the 86 patients who underwent endoscopy was oesophageal varices (57%), followed by peptic ulcer disease (18%) and gastritis (10%). Mortality occurred in 57 patients (33.5%) and was significantly higher in patients with high white blood cell count (HR 2.45, p 0.011), raised serum alanine aminotransferase (HR 4.22, p 0.016), raised serum total bilirubin (HR 5.79, p 0.008) and lack of an endoscopic procedure done (HR 4.40, p <0.001). Rebleeding was reported in 12 patients (7.1%) and readmission due to UGIB in 4 patients (2.4%)

Conclusions

Oesophageal varices was the most common cause of UGIB. One-third of patients admitted with upper gastrointestinal bleeding died within 60 days of admission, signifying a high burden. Rebleeding and readmission rates were low. A high WBC count, raised serum ALT, raised serum total bilirubin and a lack of endoscopy were independent predictors of mortality. These findings can be used to risk-stratify patients who may benefit from early and more aggressive management.

Utility of the Shock Index for Risk Stratification in Patients with Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

OBJECTIVES

Patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) frequently require hospitalization, and a small but significant percentage of these patients have adverse outcomes. Risk-scoring tools can help clinicians organize care and make predictions about outcomes. The shock index (heart rate divided by systolic blood pressure) has been used in multiple acute disorders and has the potential to identify patients with UGIB who are at risk for adverse outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of patients admitted with UGIB between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2015. We collected information about patient demographics, presenting symptoms, underlying clinical disorders, endoscopic results, and outcomes. We calculated risk scores using the Glasgow-Blatchford score, the pre-endoscopy Rockall score, the full Rockall score, the AIMS65 (albumin, international normalized ratio, mental status, systolic blood pressure, age older than 65 years) score, and the shock index.

RESULTS

This study included 214 admissions for acute UGIB. The mean age was 59.0 ± 15.9 years, 64.5% were men, the mean hemoglobin was 9.2 ± 3.1 g/dL, and the mean shock index was 0.78 ± 0.21 bpm/mm Hg. The mean shock index was significantly increased in patients requiring endoscopic therapy, admission to the intensive care unit, blood component transfusion, and red blood cell transfusion. Classification of patients by a shock index >0.7 preferentially selected patients with these adverse short-term outcomes. Among the scoring tools evaluated in this study, the shock index was the best predictor of the need for endoscopic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The shock index is a good tool to identify patients with the potential for short-term adverse outcomes when they present with UGIB. It performs as well as other risk-scoring tools for GI bleeding and has the potential for serial use during hospitalization to identify changes in the clinical course.

Efficacy Comparison of Divided and Infusion Intravenous Pantoprazole Methods after Endoscopic Therapy in Patients with Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Background:

Intravenous pantoprazole administration in patients with severe bleeding under urgent endoscopic therapy is effective. Furthermore, its infusion dose is useful to control bleeding; however, it is not economical. In this study, clinical outcomes and intravenous infusion of pantoprazole after endoscopic therapy plus efficacy of infusion dosage and divided doses are compared.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective, comparative study conducted on 18 adult (>18 years) patients referred to Al Zahra Hospital for hematemesis and melena bleeding who underwent endoscopic treatment with pantoprazole which divided into two groups of forty patients. First group received intravenous infusion for 80 mg and 8 mg/h. The second group received intravenous infusion with divided doses as 40 mg twice daily for 3 days. Clinical outcomes such as rebleeding, duration of hospitalization, amount of blood transfused, and mortality within 3 days after endoscopic treatment were collected and analyzed by SPSS software (version 20) using independent t-test, Chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test.

Results:

Duration of hospitalization in the pantoprazole infusion group was 5.42 ± 4.62 days, with three patients (7.5%) having rebleeding, and in the divided pantoprazole group was 5.90 ± 3.08 days, with four patients (10%) having rebleeding, and overall, only one person died in the divided pantoprazole group (2.5%) out of eighty patients. No significant difference was observed between two groups in terms of clinical outcomes (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Regarding to results, it can be stated that both methods with specified dosage had significant impact on improvement of hematemesis and melena. Furthermore, due to lower costs, low dose of pantoprazole in divided approach as 40 mg/12 h is proposed.

25 Years of Proton Pump Inhibitors: A Comprehensive Review

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) were clinically introduced more than 25 years ago and have since proven to be invaluable, safe, and effective agents for the management of a variety of acid-related disorders. Although all members in this class act in a similar fashion, inhibiting active parietal cell acid secretion, there are slight differences among PPIs relating to their pharmacokinetic properties, metabolism, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved clinical indications. Nevertheless, each is effective in managing gastroesophageal reflux disease and uncomplicated or complicated peptic ulcer disease. Despite their overall efficacy, PPIs do have some limitations related to their short plasma half-lives and requirement for meal-associated dosing, which can lead to breakthrough symptoms in some individuals, especially at night. Longer-acting PPIs and technology to prolong conventional PPI activity have been developed to specifically address these limitations and may improve clinical outcomes.

Digital Rectal Examination Reduces Hospital Admissions, Endoscopies, and Medical Therapy in Patients with Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding

BACKGROUND

Although digital rectal examination is an established part of physical examinations in patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding, clinicians are reluctant to perform a rectal examination. We intended to assess whether rectal examination affects the clinical management decision in these patients.

METHODS

We performed a single-center, retrospective, cross-sectional study using data from electronic health records of patients aged ≥18 years presenting to the emergency department with acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Hospital admissions, intensive care unit admissions, gastroenterology consultation, initiation of medical therapy (proton pump inhibitor or octreotide), and inpatient endoscopy (upper endoscopy or colonoscopy) were assessed as outcomes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Of 1237 patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding, 549 (44.4%) did not have a rectal examination. Patients who had a rectal examination were less likely to be admitted than patients who did not have a rectal examination (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30-0.79; P = .004). Patients who had a rectal examination were less likely to be started on medical therapy (AOR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.41-0.98; P = .04) and to have endoscopy (AOR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.44-0.94; P = .02) than patients who did not have a rectal examination.

CONCLUSIONS

Rectal examination in patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding can assist clinicians with clinical management decision and reduce admissions, endoscopies, and medical therapy in these patients.

Acute ischemic pancreatitis: A rare complication of empirical gastroduodenal artery embolization

Empirical embolization of the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) is accepted as a safe and effective treatment option for endoscopy-refractory nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in patients with high surgical risk. Nontarget embolization is a recognized complication of transarterial embolization, however, symptomatic pancreatic injury is extremely rare. We report a patient who developed acute ischemic pancreatitis immediately after embolization of the GDA, which was confirmed intraoperatively. Interventionists as well as referring clinicians need to be aware of this rare but life threatening complication.

Urgent colonoscopy in patients with lower GI bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Lower GI bleeding (LGIB) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. Colonoscopy is indicated in all hospitalized patients with LGIB, yet the time frame for performing colonoscopy remains unclear. Prior studies of outcomes in urgent versus elective colonoscopy have yielded conflicting results and were often underpowered. Our study objective was to compare several outcomes between urgent and elective colonoscopy in patients hospitalized for LGIB.

METHODS

Systematic review and meta-analysis were performed on studies that compared urgent and elective colonoscopy in patients with LGIB. Pooled rates were calculated for specific outcomes, and rate ratios were determined for selected comparison groups.

RESULTS

Twelve studies met inclusion criteria, with a total sample size of 10,172 patients in the urgent colonoscopy arm and 14,224 patients in the elective colonoscopy arm. Urgent colonoscopy was associated with increased use of endoscopic therapeutic intervention (RR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.08-2.67). There were no significant differences in bleeding source localization (RR, 1.08; 95% CI, .92-1.25), adverse event rates (RR, 1.05; 95% CI, .65-1.71), rebleeding rates (RR, 1.14; 95% CI, .74-1.78), transfusion requirement (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, .73-1.41), or mortality (RR, 1.17; 95% CI, .45-3.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Urgent colonoscopy appears to be safe and well tolerated, but there is no clear evidence that it alters important clinical outcomes.

The therapeutic effect of high-dose esomeprazole on stress ulcer bleeding in trauma patients

PURPOSE

To compare the therapeutic effects of different doses of intravenous esomeprazole on treating trauma patients with stress ulcer bleeding.

METHODS

A total of 102 trauma patients with stress ulcer bleeding were randomly divided into 2 groups: 52 patients were assigned to the high-dose group who received 80 mg intravenous esomeprazole, and then 8 mg/h continuous infusion for 3 days; 50 patients were assigned to the conventional dose group who received 40 mg intravenous esomeprazole sodium once every 12 h for 72 h.

RESULTS

Compared with the conventional dose group, the total efficiency of the high-dose group and conventional dose group was 98.08% and 86.00%, respectively (p < 0.05), the hemostatic time was 22.10 h ± 5.18 h and 28.27 h ± 5.96 h, respectively (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Both doses of intravenous esomeprazole have good hemostatic effects on stress ulcer bleeding in trauma patients. The high-dose esomeprazole is better for hemostasis.

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: Rescue treatment with a modified cyanoacrylate

AIM

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a modified cyanoacrylate [N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate associated with methacryloxysulfolane (NBCA + MS)] to treat non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NV-UGIB).

METHODS

In our retrospective study we took into account 579 out of 1177 patients receiving endoscopic treatment for NV-UGIB admitted to our institution from 2008 to 2015; the remaining 598 patients were treated with other treatments. Initial hemostasis was not achieved in 45 of 579 patients; early rebleeding occurred in 12 of 579 patients. Thirty-three patients were treated with modified cyanoacrylate: 27 patients had duodenal, gastric or anastomotic ulcers, 3 had post-mucosectomy bleeding, 2 had Dieulafoy’s lesions, and 1 had duodenal diverticular bleeding.

RESULTS

Of the 45 patients treated endoscopically without initial hemostasis or with early rebleeding, 33 (76.7%) were treated with modified cyanoacrylate glue, 16 (37.2%) underwent surgery, and 3 (7.0%) were treated with selective transarterial embolization. The mean age of patients treated with NBCA + MS (23 males and 10 females) was 74.5 years. Modified cyanoacrylate was used in 24 patients during the first endoscopy and in 9 patients experiencing rebleeding. Overall, hemostasis was achieved in 26 of 33 patients (78.8%): 19 out of 24 (79.2%) during the first endoscopy and in 7 out of 9 (77.8%) among early rebleeders. Two patients (22.2%) not responding to cyanoacrylate treatment were treated with surgery or transarterial embolization. One patient had early rebleeding after treatment with cyanoacrylate. No late rebleeding during the follow-up or complications related to the glue injection were recorded.

CONCLUSION

Modified cyanoacrylate solved definitively NV-UGIB after failure of conventional treatment. Some reported life-threatening adverse events with other formulations, advise to use it as last option.

Efficacy and toxicity of Samen-ista emulsion on treatment of cutaneous and mucosal bleeding

Despite new treatment methods, upper gastrointestinal bleeding remains challenging. Samen-ista emulsion is a new agent based on traditional medicine with coagulant properties. The efficacy and safety of Samen-ista were assessed in cutaneous and mucosal bleeding animal models. Coagulant properties of Samen-ista were evaluated using mice tail bleeding assay, marginal ear vein and upper gastrointestinal mucosal bleeding times in rabbits. After 7 days, clinical signs, mortality and end-organ (kidney, liver, lung, brain and gastric mucosa) histopathological changes were also examined. Samen-ista dose-dependently decreased mean cutaneous tail (128 vs. 14 s) and marginal ear vein (396 vs. 84 s) bleeding times. Rabbit's upper gastrointestinal bleeding time was also significantly decreased (214 vs. 15.8 s) upon Samen-ista local endoscopic application. Treatment with Samen-ista for 7 days did not cause any mortality, abnormal signs of bleeding, changes in appetite or significant histopathologicl changes. Samen-ista emulsion is well tolerated and highly effective in achieving hemostasis in cutaneous and mucosal bleeding animal models.

Recent Developments in the Endoscopic Treatment of Patients with Peptic Ulcer Bleeding

Peptic ulcer bleeding is an internal medical emergency. Endoscopic hemostasis has been shown to improve the survival rate of patients with peptic ulcer bleeding. Although the established hemostatic modalities, including injection, thermal therapy, and mechanical therapy, are effective in controlling peptic ulcer bleeding, hemostasis can be difficult to achieve in some cases. As a result, recent, new endoscopic hemostatic modalities, including over-the-scope clips, topical hemostatic sprays, and endoscopic ultrasonography-guided angiotherapy, have been developed.