Advancements in hemostatic strategies for managing upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A comprehensive review

Upper gastrointestinal(GI)hemorrhage presents a substantial clinical challenge.Initial management typically involves resuscitation and endoscopy within 24 h,although the benefit of very early endoscopy(<12 h)for high-risk patients is debated.Treatment goals include stopping acute bleeding,preventing rebleeding,and using a multimodal approach encompassing endoscopic,pharmacological,angiographic,and surgical methods.Pharmacological agents such as vasopressin,prostaglandins,and proton pump inhibitors are effective,but the increase in antithrombotic use has increased GI bleeding morbidity.Endoscopic hemostasis,particularly for nonvariceal bleeding,employs techniques such as electrocoagu-lation and heater probes,with concerns over tissue injury from monopolar electrocoagulation.Novel methods such as Hemospray and Endoclot show promise in creating mechanical tamponades but have limitations.Currently,the first-line therapy includes thermal probes and hemoclips,with over-the-scope clips emerging for larger ulcer bleeding.The gold probe,combining bipolar electrocoagulation and injection,offers targeted coagulation but has faced device-related issues.Future advancements involve combining techniques and improving endoscopic imaging,with studies exploring combined approaches showing promise.Ongoing research is crucial for developing standardized and effective hemorrhage management strategies.

Outpatient management of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding:A new perspective in high-risk patients

Mid-gastrointestinal bleeding accounts for approximately 5%-10%of all gastrointestinal bleeding cases,and vascular lesions represent the most frequent cause.The rebleeding rate for these lesions is quite high(about 42%).We hereby recommend that scheduled outpatient management of these patients could reduce the risk of rebleeding episodes.

MH-STRALP:A scoring system for prognostication in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND Upper gastrointestinal bleeding(UGIB)is a common medical emergency and early assessment of its outcomes is vital for treatment decisions.AIM To develop a new scoring system to predict its prognosis.METHODS In this retrospective study,692 patients with UGIB were enrolled from two cen-ters and divided into a training(n=591)and a validation cohort(n=101).The clinical data were collected to develop new prognostic prediction models.The en-dpoint was compound outcome defined as(1)demand for emergency surgery or vascular intervention,(2)being transferred to the intensive care unit,or(3)death during hos-pitalization.The models’predictive ability was compared with previously esta-blished scores by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.RESULTS Totally 22.2%(131/591)patients in the training cohort and 22.8%(23/101)in the validation cohort presented poor outcomes.Based on the stepwise-forward Lo-gistic regression analysis,eight predictors were integrated to determine a new post-endoscopic prognostic scoring system(MH-STRALP);a nomogram was de-termined to present the model.Compared with the previous scores(GBS,Rock-all,ABC,AIMS65,and PNED score),MH-STRALP showed the best prognostic prediction ability with area under the ROC curves(AUROCs)of 0.899 and 0.826 in the training and validation cohorts,respectively.According to the calibration cur-ve,decision curve analysis,and internal cross-validation,the nomogram showed good calibration ability and net clinical benefit in both cohorts.After removing the endoscopic indicators,the pre-endoscopic model(pre-MH-STRALP score)was conducted.Similarly,the pre-MHSTRALP score showed better predictive value(AUROCs of 0.868 and 0.767 in the training and validation cohorts,respectively)than the other pre-endoscopic scores.CONCLUSION The MH-STRALP score and pre-MH-STRALP score are simple,convenient,and accurate tools for prognosis prediction of UGIB,and may be applied for early decision on its management strategies.

Ileal collision tumor associated with gastrointestinal bleeding: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Collision tumors involving the small intestine,specifically the combination of a hamartomatous tumor and a lipoma,are extremely rare.To our knowledge,no previous case report has described a collision tumor composed of two benign tumors of different origins in the small intestine.CASE SUMMARY Here,we present the case of an 82-year-old woman who presented with hemorrhagic shock and was found to have a mass measuring approximately 50 mm×32 mm×30 mm in the terminal ileum.Based on computed tomography scan findings,the mass was initially suspected to be a lipoma.A subsequent colonoscopy revealed a pedunculated submucosal elevation consisting of two distinct parts with a visible demarcation line.A biopsy of the upper portion suggested a juvenile polyp(JP).Owing to the patient’s advanced age,multiple comorbidities,and poor surgical tolerance,a modified endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed.Histopathological examination of the excised mucosal mass revealed a lipoma at the base and a JP at the top,demonstrating evidence of rupture and associated bleeding.The patient’s overall health remained satisfactory,with no recurrence of hematochezia during the six-month follow-up period.CONCLUSION This case report provides new evidence for the understanding of gastrointestinal collision tumors,emphasizing their diverse clinical presentations and histopathological characteristics.It also offers diagnostic and therapeutic insights as well as an approach for managing benign collision tumors.

Clinical characteristics of acute non-varicose upper gastrointestinal bleeding and the effect of endoscopic hemostasis

BACKGROUND Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(ANVUGIB)constitutes a prevalent emergency within Gastroenterology,encompassing 80%-90%of all gastrointestinal hemorrhage incidents.This condition is distinguished by its abrupt onset,swift progression,and notably elevated mortality rate.AIM To gather clinical data from patients with ANVUGIB at our hospital in order to elucidate the clinical characteristics specific to our institution and analyze the therapeutic effectiveness of endoscopic hemostasis.METHODS We retrospectively retrieved the records of 532 patients diagnosed with ANVUGIB by endoscopy at our hospital between March 2021 and March 2023,utilizing our medical record system.Data pertaining to general patient information,etiological factors,disease outcomes,and other relevant variables were meticulously collected and analyzed.RESULTS Among the 532 patients diagnosed with ANVUGIB,the male-to-female ratio was 2.91:1,with a higher prevalence among males.Notably,43.6%of patients presented with black stool as their primary complaint,while 27.4%had hematemesis as their initial symptom.Upon admission,17%of patients exhibited both hematemesis and black stool,while most ANVUGIB patients primarily complained of overt gastrointestinal bleeding.Urgent routine blood examinations at admission revealed that 75.8%of patients had anemia,with 63.4%experiencing moderate to severe anemia,and 1.5%having extremely severe anemia(hemoglobin<30 g/L).With regard to etiology,53.2%of patients experienced bleeding without a definitive trigger,24.2%had a history of using gastric mucosa-irritating medications,24.2%developed bleeding after alcohol consumption,2.8%attributed it to improper diet,1.7%to emotional excitement,and 2.3%to fatigue preceding the bleeding episode.Drug-induced ANVUGIB was more prevalent in the elderly than middle-aged and young individuals,while bleeding due to alcohol consumption showed the opposite trend.Additionally,diet-related bleeding was more common among the young age group compared to the middle-aged group.Gastrointestinal endoscopy identified peptic ulcers as the most frequent cause of ANVUGIB(73.3%),followed by gastrointestinal malignancies(10.9%),acute gastric mucous lesions(9.8%),and androgenic upper gastrointestinal bleeding(1.5%)among inpatients with ANVUGIB.Of the 532 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding,68 underwent endoscopic hemostasis,resulting in an endoscopic treatment rate of 12.8%,with a high immediate hemostasis success rate of 94.1%.

Challenges in Diagnosing and Managing Dieulafoy’s Lesions: A Case Report Highlighting the Importance of Clinical Suspicion and Multidisciplinary Approach in Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding remains a significant cause of hospital admissions. Even though the incidence of peptic ulcer disease and gastritis is decreasing, the incidence rates in neoplasm, Dieulafoy’s lesions, angiodysplasia, and esophagitis are trending up, which necessities physicians to be aware of those pathologies and their specifics. Here, we represent a case of a 62-year-old male on dual antiplatelet therapy who was transferred to our hospital due to severe melena with suspicion of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Due to hemodynamic instability, the patient was intubated and started on vasopressors. However, several repeated EGDs and CTs of the abdomen with GI bleeding protocol did not reveal the location of active bleeding to stop it. At the same time, clinically, the patient was hemodynamically unstable with continued melena. On the last EGD, a small area of concern resembling gastric varix was clipped for identification purposes, and the patient underwent a selective angiogram with further diagnosis of Dieulafoy’s lesion, which was successfully embolized. Our case demonstrates that Dieulafoy’s lesions can present as severe life-threatening hemorrhage, hard to diagnose with traditional methods such as EGD or CTs, in which case it is recommended to proceed with an angiogram sooner rather than later for further diagnosis and treatment if needed.

Comparative Analysis of Continuous versus Intermittent Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy in Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Due to Ulcers

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) presents as a prevalent clinical challenge, with annual incidence rates ranging from 80 to 150 cases per 100,000 individuals. Guidelines for managing patients with UGIB due to bleeding ulcers recommend a continuous infusion of proton pump inhibitors (PPI). However, studies comparing intermittent dosing of PPI therapy show that this regimen achieves similar clinical benefits. If the clinical efficacy remains equivalent, intermittent dosing will be more cost-effective for patients and the health care system. Our research study aims to analyze the comparative effectiveness of intermittent versus continuous PPI therapy after endoscopic treatment in patients with UGIB, focusing on such endpoints as rebleeding risk at 3-and 7-day mortality rates. Methods: Resources searched included MEDLINE, EMBASE, PUBMED, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from January 2010 through December 2023 with the inclusion of meta-analysis, systematic review, review, or ACG guideline recommendations. Results of the analysis show how recommendations regarding high vs. low PPI regimen changed over time: from no difference in regimen in 2010 to recommending continuous regimen in 2012 to declaring insufficient evidence between choosing one regimen over another in 2013 to determine that both regimens were comparable to each other in 2014-2018 and finally to recommending both regimens in 2021. To conclude, our review shows that in patients with bleeding ulcers and high-risk endoscopic findings, intermittent PPI therapy is non-inferior to continuous PPI infusion for three days, seven days bleeding risk or mortality rates;however, it remains challenging to determine the most optimal intermittent regimen due to heterogeneity of RCTs included in meta-analyses, and further trials will need to be performed.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in Bangladeshi children:Analysis of 100 cases

BACKGROUND Upper gastrointestinal bleeding(UGIB)is defined as bleeding that occurs proximal to the ligament of Treitz and can sometimes lead to potentially serious and life-threatening clinical situations in children.Globally,the cause of UGIB differs significantly depending on the geographic location,patient population and presence of comorbid conditions.AIM To observe endoscopic findings of UGIB in children at a tertiary care center of Bangladesh.METHODS This retrospective study was carried out in the department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition of Bangabandhu Shiekh Mujib Medical University,a tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh,between January 2017 and January 2019.Data collected from hospital records of 100 children who were 16 years of age or younger,came with hematemesis,melena or both hematemesis and melena.All patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy(Olympus CV 1000 upper gastrointestinal video endoscope)after initial stabilization.Necessary investigations to diagnose portal hypertension and chronic liver disease with underlying causes for management purposes were also done.RESULTS A total of 100 patients were studied.UGIB was common in the age group 5-10 years(42%),followed by above 10 years(37%).Hematemesis was the most common presenting symptom(75%)followed by both hematemesis and melena(25%).UGIB from ruptured esophageal varices was the most common cause(65%)on UGI endoscopy followed by gastric erosion(5%)and prolapsed gastropathy(2%).We observed that 23%of children were normal after endoscopic examination.CONCLUSION Ruptured esophageal varices were the most common cause of UGIB in children in Bangladesh.Other causes included gastric erosions and prolapsed gastropathy syndrome.

Application Effect of Staged Health Education in the Nursing Care of Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Objective:To investigate the application effect of staged health education in the care of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.Methods:This study takes health education in the care of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding as the main direction.160 patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding who received treatment in our hospital were selected as samples,and the grouping software was used to divide them into the reference group and the study group,with 80 patients each.The reference group and the study group used routine health education and staged health education respectively.Relevant research data were recorded during the nursing process,analyzed,and used as research indicators.Results:The compliance behavior of the study group was higher than that of the reference group after the staged nursing care,and at the same time,the nursing care satisfaction of the study group was higher than that of the reference group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The use of staged health education for the care of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding not only enhances the degree of patient awareness and compliance but also improves nursing satisfaction,which is worthy of promotion and application.

Rare causes of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A comprehensive review

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(NVUGIB)is a common gastroenterological emergency associated with significant morbidity and mortality.Gastroenterologists and other involved clinicians are generally assisted by international guidelines in its management.However,NVUGIB due to peptic ulcer disease only is mainly addressed by current guidelines,with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy being recommended as the gold standard modality for both diagnosis and treatment.Conversely,the management of rare and extraordinary rare causes of NVUGIB is not covered by current guidelines.Given they are frequently lifethreatening conditions,all the involved clinicians,that is emergency physicians,diagnostic and interventional radiologists,surgeons,in addition obviously to gastroenterologists,should be aware of and familiar with their management.Indeed,they typically require a prompt diagnosis and treatment,engaging a dedicated,patient-tailored,multidisciplinary team approach.The aim of our review was to extensively summarize the current evidence with regard to the management of rare and extraordinary rare causes of NVUGIB.

One in four patients with gastrointestinal bleeding develops shock or hemodynamic instability:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Hemodynamic instability and shock are associated with untoward outcomes in gastrointestinal bleeding.However,there are no studies in the existing literature on the proportion of patients who developed these outcomes after gastrointestinal bleeding.AIM To determine the pooled event rates in the available literature and specify them based on the bleeding source.METHODS The protocol was registered on PROSPERO in advance(CRD42021283258).A systematic search was performed in three databases(PubMed,EMBASE,and CENTRAL)on 14^(th) October 2021.Pooled proportions with 95%CI were calculated with a random-effects model.A subgroup analysis was carried out based on the time of assessment(on admission or during hospital stay).Heterogeneity was assessed by Higgins and Thompson’s I^(2) statistics.The Joanna Briggs Institute Prevalence Critical Appraisal Tool was used for the risk of bias assessment.The Reference Citation Analysis(https://www.referencecitationanalysis.com/)tool was applied to obtain the latest highlight articles.RESULTS We identified 11589 records,of which 220 studies were eligible for data extraction.The overall proportion of shock and hemodynamic instability in general gastrointestinal bleeding patients was 0.25(95%CI:0.17-0.36,I^(2)=100%).In non-variceal bleeding,the proportion was 0.22(95%CI:0.14-0.31,I^(2)=100%),whereas it was 0.25(95%CI:0.19-0.32,I^(2)=100%)in variceal bleeding.The proportion of patients with colonic diverticular bleeding who developed shock or hemodynamic instability was 0.12(95%CI:0.06-0.22,I^(2)=90%).The risk of bias was low,and heterogeneity was high in all analyses.CONCLUSION One in five,one in four,and one in eight patients develops shock or hemodynamic instability on admission or during hospitalization in the case of non-variceal,variceal,and colonic diverticular bleeding,respectively.

A Nomogram Model for Prediction of Mortality Risk of Patients with Dangerous Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding:A Two-center Retrospective Study

Objective:This study aimed to establish a nomogram model to predict the mortality risk of patients with dangerous upper gastrointestinal bleeding(DUGIB),and identify high-risk patients who require emergent therapy.Methods:From January 2020 to April 2022,the clinical data of 256 DUGIB patients who received treatments in the intensive care unit(ICU)were retrospectively collected from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University(n=179)and the Eastern Campus of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University(n=77).The 179 patients were treated as the training cohort,and 77 patients as the validation cohort.Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the independent risk factors,and R packages were used to construct the nomogram model.The prediction accuracy and identification ability were evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,C index and calibration curve.The nomogram model was also simultaneously externally validated.Decision curve analysis(DCA)was then used to demonstrate the clinical value of the model.Results:Logistic regression analysis showed that hematemesis,urea nitrogen level,emergency endoscopy,AIMS65,Glasgow Blatchford score and Rockall score were all independent risk factors for DUGIB.The ROC curve analysis indicated the area under curve(AUC)of the training cohort was 0.980(95%CI:0.962-0.997),while the AUC of the validation cohort was 0.790(95%CI:0.685-0.895).The calibration curves were tested for Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit for both training and validation cohorts(P=0.778,P=0.516).Conclusion:The developed nomogram is an effective tool for risk stratification,early identification and intervention for DUGIB patients.

Age-specific causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children

The etiology of upper gastrointestinal bleeding(UGIB)varies by age,from newborns to adolescents,with some of the causes overlapping between age groups.While particular causes such as vitamin K deficiency and cow’s milk protein allergy are limited to specific age groups,occurring only in neonates and infants,others such as erosive esophagitis and gastritis may be identified at all ages.Furthermore,the incidence of UGIB is variable throughout the world and in different hospital settings.In North America and Europe,most UGIBs are nonvariceal,associated with erosive esophagitis,gastritis,and gastric and duodenal ulcers.In recent years,the most common causes in some Middle Eastern and Far Eastern countries are becoming similar to those in Western countries.However,variceal bleeding still predominates in certain parts of the world,especially in South Asia.The most severe hemorrhage arises from variceal bleeding,peptic ulceration,and disseminated intravascular coagulation.Hematemesis is a credible indicator of a UGI source of bleeding in the majority of patients.Being familiar with the most likely UGIB causes in specific ages and geographic areas is especially important for adequate orientation in clinical settings,the use of proper diagnostic tests, and rapid initiation of the therapy. The fundamental approach to the management of UGIBincludes an immediate assessment of severity, detecting possible causes, and providing hemodynamic stability,followed by early endoscopy. Unusual UGIB causes must always be considered when establishing a diagnosis inthe pediatric population because some of them are unique to children. Endoscopic techniques are of significantdiagnostic value, and combined with medicaments, may be used for the management of acute bleeding. Finally,surgical treatment is reserved for the most severe bleeding.

Cardiopulmonary prognosis of prophylactic endotracheal intubation in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding undergoing endoscopy

BACKGROUND:It is controversial whether prophylactic endotracheal intubation(PEI)protects the airway before endoscopy in critically ill patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding(UGIB).The study aimed to explore the predictive value of PEI for cardiopulmonary outcomes and identify high-risk patients with UGIB undergoing endoscopy.METHODS:Patients undergoing endoscopy for UGIB were retrospectively enrolled in the eICU Collaborative Research Database(eICU-CRD).The composite cardiopulmonary outcomes included aspiration,pneumonia,pulmonary edema,shock or hypotension,cardiac arrest,myocardial infarction,and arrhythmia.The incidence of cardiopulmonary outcomes within 48 h after endoscopy was compared between the PEI and non-PEI groups.Logistic regression analyses and propensity score matching analyses were performed to estimate effects of PEI on cardiopulmonary outcomes.Moreover,restricted cubic spline plots were used to assess for any threshold effects in the association between baseline variables and risk of cardiopulmonary outcomes(yes/no)in the PEI group.RESULTS:A total of 946 patients were divided into the PEI group(108/946,11.4%)and the non-PEI group(838/946,88.6%).After propensity score matching,the PEI group(n=50)had a higher incidence of cardiopulmonary outcomes(58.0%vs.30.3%,P=0.001).PEI was a risk factor for cardiopulmonary outcomes after adjusting for confounders(odds ratio[OR]3.176,95%confidence interval[95%CI]1.567-6.438,P=0.001).The subgroup analysis indicated the similar results.A shock index>0.77 was a predictor for cardiopulmonary outcomes in patients undergoing PEI(P=0.015).The probability of cardiopulmonary outcomes in the PEI group depended on the Charlson Comorbidity Index(OR 1.465,95%CI 1.079-1.989,P=0.014)and shock index>0.77(compared with shock index≤0.77[OR 2.981,95%CI 1.186-7.492,P=0.020,AUC=0.764]).CONCLUSION:PEI may be associated with cardiopulmonary outcomes in elderly and critically ill patients with UGIB undergoing endoscopy.Furthermore,a shock index greater than 0.77 could be used as a predictor of a worse prognosis in patients undergoing PEI.

The effect of prophylactic antibiotics in acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding patients in the emergency department

BACKGROUND: Currently, prophylactic antibiotics are recommended only for cirrhotic patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding(AUGIB);however, the benefit for other AUGIB patients remains undetermined. We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between patients with AUGIB with and without prophylactic antibiotics to identify the population that requires this therapy.METHODS: Patients with AUGIB admitted between 1st January 2019 and 31st December 2021 in the Emergency Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital were enrolled. Patients were divided into the antibiotic and non-antibiotic groups. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcome was the onset of new infection. The risk factors for mortality and infection were analyzed, and stratification analysis of prophylactic antibiotics was performed. Continuous data were analyzed using the t-test or nonparametric rank sum test, and categorical data were analyzed using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Indicators with significant differences between the groups were included for logistic regression analysis. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 392 individuals were included, among them, 281 patients received prophylactic antibiotics, and 111 patients did not receive prophylactic antibiotics. The mortality rates were significantly lower in the antibiotic group than in the non-antibiotics group(6.41% vs. 17.12%, P=0.001). The risk factors for infection were varicose veins(P=0.045) and endotracheal intubation(P=0.005) in the prophylactic antibiotic group, and endoscopic treatment(P=0.010) in the non-prophylactic antibiotic group. Stratified analyses showed that patients with age ≥ 65 years, endotracheal intubation, endoscopic treatment, and AUGIB of variceal etiologies benefited from prophylactic antibiotics.CONCLUSION: AUGIB patients may benefit from prophylactic antibiotics to decrease mortality, especially those aged ≥ 65 years and those with endotracheal intubation, endoscopic treatment, and variceal etiologies.

Promising way to address massive intragastric clotting in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding:A case report

BACKGROUND Massive intragastric clotting(MIC) makes endoscopic therapy difficult in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Literature data on how to address this problem are limited. Here, we report on a case of massive stomach bleeding with MIC that was successfully treated endoscopically using an overtube of singleballoon enteroscopy.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old gentleman with metastatic lung cancer was admitted to the intensive care unit due to tarry stools and hematemesis of 1500 mL of blood during hospitalization. Emergent esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed massive blood clots and fresh blood in the stomach with evidence of active bleeding.Bleeding sites could not be observed even by changing the patient’s position and aggressive endoscope suction. The MIC was successfully removed using an overtube connected with a suction pipe, which was inserted into the stomach with an overtube of a single-balloon enteroscope. An ultrathin gastroscope was also introduced through the nose into the stomach to guide the suction. A massive blood clot was successfully removed, and an ulcer with oozing bleeding at the inferior lesser curvature of the upper gastric body was revealed, facilitating endoscopic hemostatic therapy.CONCLUSION This technique appears to be a previously unreported method to suction MIC out of the stomach in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. This technique could be considered when other methods are not available or if they fail to remove massive blood clots in the stomach.

The global epidemiology of upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding in general population:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal bleeding(GIB)is a common and potentially life-threatening clinical event.To date,the literature on the long-term global epidemiology of GIB has not been systematically reviewed.AIM To systematically review the published literature on the worldwide epidemiology of upper and lower GIB.METHODS EMBASE®and MEDLINE were queried from 01 January 1965 to September 17,2019 to identify population-based studies reporting incidence,mortality,or casefatality rates of upper GIB(UGIB)or lower GIB(LGIB)in the general adult population,worldwide.Relevant outcome data were extracted and summarized(including data on rebleeding following initial occurrence of GIB when available).All included studies were assessed for risk of bias based upon reporting guidelines.RESULTS Of 4203 retrieved database hits,41 studies were included,comprising a total of around 4.1 million patients with GIB worldwide from 1980–2012.Thirty-three studies reported rates for UGIB,four for LGIB,and four presented data on both.Incidence rates ranged from 15.0 to 172.0/100000 person-years for UGIB,and from 20.5 to 87.0/100000 person-years for LGIB.Thirteen studies reported on temporal trends,generally showing an overall decline in UGIB incidence over time,although a slight increase between 2003 and 2005 followed by a decline was shown in 5/13 studies.GIB-related mortality data were available from six studies for UGIB,with rates ranging from 0.9 to 9.8/100000 person-years,and from three studies for LGIB,with rates ranging from 0.8 to 3.5/100000 person-years.Casefatality rate ranged from 0.7%to 4.8%for UGIB and 0.5%to 8.0%for LGIB.Rates of rebleeding ranged from 7.3%to 32.5%for UGIB and from 6.7%to 13.5%for LGIB.Two main areas of potential bias were the differences in the operational GIB definition used and inadequate information on how missing data were handled.CONCLUSION Wide variation was seen in estimates of GIB epidemiology,likely due to high heterogeneity between studies however,UGIB showed a decreasing trend over the years.Epidemiological data were more widely available for UGIB than for LGIB.

Effects of postoperative use of proton pump inhibitors on gastrointestinal bleeding after endoscopic variceal treatment during hospitalization

BACKGROUND Endoscopic variceal treatment(EVT)is recommended as the mainstay choice for the management of high-risk gastroesophageal varices and acute variceal bleeding in liver cirrhosis.Proton pump inhibitors(PPIs)are widely used for various gastric acid-related diseases.However,the effects of PPIs on the development of post-EVT complications,especially gastrointestinal bleeding(GIB),remain controversial.AIM To evaluate the effects of postoperative use of PPIs on post-EVT complications in patients with liver cirrhosis during hospitalization.METHODS Patients with a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis who were admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology of the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command,treated by an attending physician between January 2016 and June 2020 and underwent EVT during their hospitalization were included.Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the effects of postoperative use of PPIs on the development of post-EVT complications during hospitalization.Odds ratios(ORs)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs)were calculated.RESULTS A total of 143 patients were included.The incidence of post-EVT GIB and other post-EVT complications was 4.90%and 46.85%,respectively.In the overall analyses,postoperative use of PPIs did not significantly reduce the risk of post-EVT GIB(OR=0.525,95%CI=0.113-2.438,P=0.411)or other post-EVT complications(OR=0.804,95%CI=0.413-1.565,P=0.522).In the subgroup analyses according to the enrollment period,type and route of PPIs after the index EVT,use of PPIs before the index EVT,use of vasoactive drugs after the index EVT,indication of EVT(prophylactic and therapeutic),and presence of portal venous system thrombosis,ascites,and hepatocellular carcinoma,the effects of postoperative use of PPIs on the risk of post-EVT GIB or other post-EVT complications remain not statistically significant.CONCLUSION Routine use of PPIs after EVT should not be recommended in patients with liver cirrhosis for the prevention of post-EVT complications during hospitalization.

Influence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease on non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding:A nationwide analysis

BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is the leading cause of liver disease globally with an estimated prevalence of 25%,with the clinical and economic burden expected to continue to increase.In the United States,non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(NVUGIB)has an estimated incidence of 61-78 cases per 100000 people with a mortality rate of 2%-15%based on co-morbidity burden.AIM To identify the outcomes of NVUGIB in NAFLD hospitalizations in the United States.METHODS We utilized the National Inpatient Sample from 2016-2019 to identify all NVUGIB hospitalizations in the United States.This population was divided based on the presence and absence of NAFLD.Hospitalization characteristics,outcomes and complications were compared.RESULTS The total number of hospitalizations for NVUGIB was 799785,of which 6%were found to have NAFLD.NAFLD and GIB was,on average,more common in younger patients,females,and Hispanics than GIB without NAFLD.Interestingly,GIB was less common amongst blacks with NAFLD.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted,controlling for the multiple covariates.The primary outcome of interest,mortality,was found to be significantly higher in patients with NAFLD and GIB[adjusted odds ratio(aOR)=1.018(1.013-1.022)].Secondary outcomes of interest,shock[aOR=1.015(1.008-1.022)],acute respiratory failure[aOR=1.01(1.005-1.015)]and acute liver failure[aOR=1.016(1.013-1.019)]were all more likely to occur in this cohort.Patients with NAFLD were also more likely to incur higher total hospital charges(THC)[$2148($1677-$2618)];however,were less likely to have a longer length of stay[0.27 d(0.17-0.38)].Interestingly,in our study,the patients with NAFLD were less likely to suffer from acute myocardial infarction[aOR=0.992(0.989-0.995)].Patients with NAFLD were not more likely to suffer acute kidney injury,sepsis,blood transfusion,intubation,or dialysis.CONCLUSION NVUGIB in NAFLD hospitalizations had higher inpatient mortality,THC,and complications such as shock,acute respiratory failure,and acute liver failure compared to those without NAFLD.

Causes of gastrointestinal bleeding in children based on endoscopic evaluation at a tertiary care center in Bahrain

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal bleeding(GIB)is a serious health problem worldwide,particularly during childhood.This can be an alarming sign of an underlying disease.Gastrointestinal endoscopy(GIE)is a safe method for the diagnosis and treatment of GIB in most cases.AIM To determine the incidence,clinical presentation,and outcomes of GIB in children in Bahrain over the last two decades.METHODS This was a retrospective cohort review of the medical records of children with GIB who underwent endoscopic procedures in the Pediatric Department at Salmaniya Medical Complex,Bahrain,between 1995 and 2022.Demographic data,clinical presentation,endoscopic findings,and clinical outcomes were recorded.GIB was classified into upper(UGIB)and lower(LGIB)GIB according to the site of bleeding.These were compared with respect to patients’sex,age,and nationality using the Fisher’s exact,Pearson’sχ2,or the Mann-Whitney U tests.RESULTS A total of 250 patients were included in this study.The median incidence was 2.6/100000 per year(interquartile range,1.4-3.7)with a significantly increasing trend over the last two decades (P < 0.0001). Most patients were males (n = 144, 57.6%). Themedian age at diagnosis was 9 years (5-11). Ninety-eight (39.2%) patients required upper GIEalone, 41 (16.4%) required colonoscopy alone, and 111 (44.4%) required both. LGIB was morefrequent (n = 151, 60.4%) than UGIB (n = 119, 47.6%). There were no significant differences in sex (P = 0.710), age (P = 0.185), or nationality (P = 0.525) between the two groups. Abnormalendoscopic findings were detected in 226 (90.4%) patients. The common cause of LGIB was inflammatorybowel disease (IBD) (n = 77, 30.8%). The common cause of UGIB was gastritis (n = 70, 28%).IBD and undetermined cause for bleeding were higher in the 10-18 years group (P = 0.026 and P =0.017, respectively). Intestinal nodular lymphoid hyperplasia, foreign body ingestion, andesophageal varices were more common in the 0-4 years group (P = 0.034, P < 0.0001, and P = 0.029,respectively). Ten (4%) patients underwent one or more therapeutic interventions. The medianfollow-up period was two years (0.5-3). No mortality was reported in this study.CONCLUSIONGIB in children is an alarming condition, whose significance is increasing. LGIB, commonly due toIBD, was more common than UGIB, commonly due to gastritis.