Importance of risk assessment,endoscopic hemostasis,and recent advancements in the management of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(ANVUGIB)is a common medical emergency in clinical practice.While the incidence has significantly reduced,the mortality rates have not undergone a similar reduction in the last few decades,thus presenting a significant challenge.This editorial outlines the key causes and risk factors of ANVUGIB and explores the current standards and recent updates in risk assessment scoring systems for predicting mortality and endoscopic treatments for achieving hemostasis.Since ANUVGIB predominantly affects the elderly population,the impact of comorbidities may be responsible for the poor outcomes.A thorough drug history is important due to the increasing use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants in the elderly.Early risk stratification plays a crucial role in deciding the line of management and predicting mortality.Emerging scoring systems such as the ABC(age,blood tests,co-morbidities)score show promise in predicting mortality and guiding clinical decisions.While conventional endoscopic therapies remain cornerstone approaches,novel techniques like hemostatic powders and over-the-scope clips offer promising alternatives,particularly in cases refractory to traditional modalities.By integrating validated scoring systems and leveraging novel therapeutic modalities,clinicians can enhance patient care and mitigate the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with ANVUGIB.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding etiology score for predicting variceal and non-variceal bleeding

AIM： To identify clinical parameters, and develop an Upper Gastrointesinal Bleeding （UGIB） Etiology Score for predicting the types of UGIB and validate the score. METHODS： Patients with UGIB who underwent endoscopy within 72 h were enrolled. Clinical and basic laboratory parameters were prospectively collected. Predictive factors for the types of UGIB were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses and were used to generate the UGIB Etiology Score. The best cutoff of the score was defined from the receiver operating curve and prospectively validated in another set of patients with UGIB. RESULTS： Among 261 patients with UGIB, 47 （18%） had variceal and 214 （82%） had non-variceal bleeding. Univariate analysis identified 27 distinct parameters significantly associated with the types of UGIB. Logistic regression analysis identified only 3 independent factors for predicting variceal bleeding; previous diagnosis of cirrhosis or signs of chronic liver disease （OR 22.4, 95% CI 8.3-60.4, P 〈 0.001）, red vomitus （OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.8-11.9, P = 0.02）, and red nasogastric （NG） aspirate （OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.3-8.3, P = 0.011）. The UGIB Etiology Score was calculated from （3.1× previous diagnosis of cirrhosis or signs of chronic liver disease） ＋ （1.5× red vomitus） ＋ （1.2× red NG aspirate）, when 1 and 0 are used for the presence and absence of each factor, respectively. Using a cutoff ≥ 3.1, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value （PPV）, and negative predictive value （NPV） in predicting variceal bleeding were 85%, 81%, 82%, 50%, and 96%, respectively. The score was prospectively validated in cases （46 variceal and 149 another set of 195 UGIB non-variceal bleeding）. The PPV and NPV of a score ≥ 3.1 for variceal bleeding were 79% and 97%, respectively. CONCLUSION： The UGIB Etiology Score, composed of 3 parameters, using a cutoff ≥ 3.1 accurately predicted variceal bleeding and may help to guide the choice of initial therapy for UGIB before endoscopy.

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 nonvariceal 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 initialhemostasis 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.

Endoscopic advances in the management of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding:A review

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is defined as the bleeding originating from the esophagus to the ligament of Treitz and further classified into variceal and nonvariceal gastrointestinal bleeding.Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding remains a common clinical problem globally.It is associated with high mortality,morbidity,and cost of the health care system.Despite the continuous improvement of therapeutic endoscopy,the 30-d readmission rate secondary to rebleeding and associated mortality is an ongoing issue.Available Food and Drug Administration approved traditional or conventional therapeutic endoscopic modalities includes epinephrine injection,argon plasma coagulation,heater probe,and placement of through the scope clip,which can be used alone or in combination to decrease the risk of rebleeding.Recently,more attention has been paid to the novel advanced endoscopic devices for primary treatment of the bleeding lesion and as a secondary measure when conventional therapies fail to achieve hemostasis.This review highlights emerging endoscopic modalities used in the management of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal related bleeding such as over-the-scope clip,Coagrasper,hemostatic sprays,radiofrequency ablation,cryotherapy,endoscopic suturing devices,and endoscopic ultrasound-guided angiotherapy.In this review article,we will also discuss the technical aspects of the common procedures,outcomes in terms of safety and efficacy,and their advantages and limitations in the setting of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Upper non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding-review the effectiveness of endoscopic hemostasis methods

Upper non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding is a conditionthat requires immediate medical intervention and has a high associated mortality rate(exceeding 10%). The vast majority of upper gastrointestinal bleeding cases are due to peptic ulcers. Helicobacter pylori infection, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin are the main risk factors for peptic ulcer disease. Endoscopic therapy has generally been recommended as the firstline treatment for upper gastrointestinal bleeding as it has been shown to reduce recurrent bleeding, the need for surgery and mortality. Early endoscopy(within 24 h of hospital admission) has a greater impact than delayed endoscopy on the length of hospital stay and requirement for blood transfusion. This paper aims to review and compare the efficacy of the types of endoscopic hemostasis most commonly used to control non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding by pooling data from the literature.

Outcome of non-variceal acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in relation to the time of endoscopy and the experience of the endoscopist: A two-year survey

AIM: To prospectively assess the impact of time of endoscopy and endoscopist's experience on the outcome of non-variceal acute upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding patients in a large teaching hospital.METHODS: All patients admitted for non-variceal acute upper GI bleeding for over a 2-year period were potentially eligible for this study. They were managed by a team of seven endoscopists on 24-h call whose experience was categorized into two levels (high and low) according to the number of endoscopic hemostatic procedures undertaken before the study. Endoscopic treatment was standardized according to Forrest classification of lesions as well as the subsequent medical therapy. Time of endoscopy was subdivided into two time periods: routine (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) and on-call (5 p.m.-8 a.m.). For each category of experience and time periods rebleeding rate, transfusion requirement, need for surgery, length of hospital stay and mortality we compared. Multivariate analysis was used to discriminate the impact of different variables on the outcomes that were considered.RESULTS: Study population consisted of 272 patients (mean age 67.3 years) with endoscopic stigmata of hemorrhage. The patients were equally distributed among the endoscopists, whereas only 19% of procedures were done out of working hours. Rockall score and Forrest classification at admission did not differ between time periods and degree of experience.Univariate analysis showed that higher endoscopist's experience was associated with significant reduction in rebleeding rate (14% vs 37%), transfusion requirements (1.8±0.6 vs 3.0±1.7 units) as well as surgery (4% vs 10%), but not associated with the length of hospital stay nor mortality. By contrast, outcomes did not significantly differ between the two time periods of endoscopy.On multivariate analysis, endoscopist's experience was independently associated with rebleeding rate and transfusion requirements. Odds ratios for low experienced endoscopist were 4.47 for rebleeding and 6.90 for need of transfusion after the endoscopy.CONCLUSION: Endoscopist's experience is an important independent prognostic factor for non-variceal acute upper GI bleeding. Urgent endoscopy should be undertaken preferentially by a skilled endoscopist as less expert staff tends to underestimate some risk lesions with a negative influence on hemostasis.

Aspirin use for primary prophylaxis: Adverse outcomes in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM: To compare outcomes of patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(NVUGIB) taking aspirin for primary prophylaxis to those not taking it.METHODS: Patients not known to have any vascular disease(coronary artery or cerebrovascular disease) who were admitted to the American University of Beirut Medical Center between 1993 and 2010 with NVUGIB were included. The frequencies of in-hospital mortality, re-bleeding, severe bleeding, need for surgery or embolization, and of a composite outcome defined as the occurrence of any of the 4 bleeding related adverse outcomes were compared between patients receiving aspirin and those on no antithrombotics. We also compared frequency of in hospital complications and length of hospital stay between the two groups.RESULTS: Of 357 eligible patients, 94 were on aspirin and 263 patients were on no antithrombotics(controlgroup). Patients in the aspirin group were older, the mean age was 58 years in controls and 67 years in the aspirin group(P < 0.001). Patients in the aspirin group had significantly more co-morbidities, including diabetes mellitus and hypertension [25(27%) vs 31(112%) and44(47%) vs 74(28%) respectively,(P = 0.001)], as well as dyslipidemia [21(22%) vs 16(6%), P < 0.0001).Smoking was more frequent in the aspirin group [34(41%) vs 60(27%), P = 0.02)]. The frequencies of endoscopic therapy and surgery were similar in both groups. Patients who were on aspirin had lower inhospital mortality rates(2.1% vs 13.7%, P = 0.002),shorter hospital stay(4.9 d vs 7 d, P = 0.01), and fewer composite outcomes(10.6% vs 24%, P = 0.01). The frequencies of in-hospital complications and re-bleeding were similar in the two groups.CONCLUSION: Patients who present with NVUGIB while receiving aspirin for primary prophylaxis had fewer adverse outcomes. Thus aspirin may have a protective effect beyond its cardiovascular benefits.

Prophylactic transcatheter arterial embolization reduces rebleeding in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Despite the improvement in the endoscopic hemostasis of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(NVUGIB),rebleeding remains a major concern.AIM To assess the role of prophylactic transcatheter arterial embolization(PTAE)added to successful hemostatic treatment among NVUGIB patients.METHODS We searched three databases from inception through October 19th,2020.Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)and observational cohort studies were eligible.Studies compared patients with NVUGIB receiving PTAE to those who did not get PTAE.Investigated outcomes were rebleeding,mortality,reintervention,need for surgery and transfusion,length of hospital(LOH),and intensive care unit(ICU)stay.In the quantitative synthesis,odds ratios(ORs)and weighted mean differences(WMDs)were calculated with the random-effects model and interpreted with 95%confidence intervals(CIs).RESULTS We included a total of 3 RCTs and 9 observational studies with a total of 1329 patients,with 486 in the intervention group.PTAE was associated with lower odds of rebleeding(OR=0.48,95%CI:0.29–0.78).There was no difference in the 30-d mortality rates(OR=0.82,95%CI:0.39–1.72)between the PTAE and control groups.Patients who underwent PTAE treatment had a lower chance for reintervention(OR=0.48,95%CI:0.31–0.76)or rescue surgery(OR=0.35,95%CI:0.14–0.92).The LOH and ICU stay was shorter in the PTAE group,but the difference was non-significant[WMD=-3.77,95%CI:(-8.00)–0.45;WMD=-1.33,95%CI:(-2.84)–0.18,respectively].CONCLUSION PTAE is associated with lower odds of rebleeding and any reintervention in NVUGIB.However,further RCTs are needed to have a higher level of evidence.

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.

Endoscopic management and outcome of non-variceal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Acute non-variceal bleeding accounts for approximately 20%of all-cause bleeding episodes in patients with liver cirrhosis.It is associated with high morbidity and mortality therefore prompt diagnosis and endoscopic management are crucial.AIM To evaluate available data on the efficacy of endoscopic treatment modalities used to control acute non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding(GIB)in cirrhotic patients as well as to assess treatment outcomes.METHODS Employing PRISMA methodology,the MEDLINE was searched through PubMed using appropriate MeSH terms.Data are reported in a summative manner and separately for each major non-variceal cause of bleeding.RESULTS Overall,23 studies were identified with a total of 1288 cirrhotic patients of whom 958/1288 underwent endoscopic therapy for acute non-variceal GIB.Peptic ulcer bleeding was the most common cause of acute non-variceal bleeding,followed by portal hypertensive gastropathy,gastric antral vascular ectasia,Mallory-Weiss syndrome,Dieaulafoy lesions,portal hypertensive colopathy,and hemorrhoids.Failure to control bleeding from all-causes of non-variceal GIB accounted for less than 3.5%of cirrhotic patients.Rebleeding(range 2%-25%)and mortality(range 3%-40%)rates varied,presumably due to study heterogeneity.Rebleeding was usually managed endoscopically and salvage therapy using arterial embolisation or surgery was undertaken in very few cases.Mortality was usually associated with liver function deterioration and other organ failure or infections rather than uncontrolled bleeding.Endoscopic treatment-related complications were extremely rare.Lower acute non-variceal bleeding was examined in two studies(197/1288 patients)achieving initial hemostasis in all patients using argon plasma coagulation for portal hypertensive colopathy and endoscopic band ligation or sclerotherapy for bleeding hemorrhoids(rebleeding range 10%-13%).Data on the efficacy of endoscopic therapy of cirrhotic patients vs non-cirrhotic controls with acute GIB are very scarce.CONCLUSION Endotherapy seems to be efficient as a means to control non-variceal hemorrhage in cirrhosis,although published data are very limited,particularly those comparing cirrhotics with noncirrhotics and those regarding acute bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract.Rebleeding and mortality rates appear to be relatively high,although firm conclusions may not be drawn due to study heterogeneity.Hopefully this review may stimulate further research on this subject and help clinicians administer optimal endoscopic therapy for cirrhotic patients.

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.

Role of endoscopic ultrasound in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding management

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(NVUGIB)is one of the challenging situations in clinical practice.Despite that gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer are still the main causes of acute NVUGIB,there are other causes of bleeding which might not always be detected through the standard endoscopic evaluation.Standard endoscopic management of UGIB consists of injection,thermal coagulation,hemoclips,and combination therapy.However,these methods are not always successful for rebleeding prevention.Endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)has been used recently for portal hypertension management,especially in managing acute variceal bleeding.EUS has been considered a better tool to visualize the bleeding vessel in gastroesophageal variceal bleeding.There have been studies looking at the role of EUS for managing NVUGIB;however,most of them are case reports.Therefore,it is important to review back to see the evolution and innovation of endoscopic treatment for NVUGIB and the role of EUS for possibility to replace the standard endoscopic haemostasis management in daily practice.

Endoscopic management of refractory gastrointestinal non-variceal bleeding using Histoacryl(N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate)glue

Background:Histoacryl glue(N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate)has well-established utility in the endoscopic management of gastrointestinal variceal bleeding.The role of Histoacryl glue in non-variceal bleeding is less clear,and there are few articles describing its use in this setting.Methods:Six patients with intractable non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding were managed using injection of Histoacryl glue.All patients had previously failed conventional endostasis and/or interventional angioembolization and were not suitable for emergency salvage surgery due to serious comorbidities or unacceptable anaesthetic risk.An endoscopic Lipiodol-Histoacryl-Lipiodol sandwich injection technique was used in these patients.The clinical outcomes and complications were evaluated.Results:There were four females and two males with a mean age of 55 years.Bleeding lesions included gastric ulcers(n=2),duodenal ulcers(n=2),duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST)(n=1)and rectal ulcers(n=1).All patients had successful Histoacryl endostasis without the requirement for salvage surgery.There was no treatment-related morbidity and no mortality.Two patients had further bleeding after initial Histoacryl endostasis,which was successfully controlled with further endoscopic Histoacryl injection.Conclusion:Histoacryl endostasis should be included in the treatment algorithm for refractory non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding.

Research Progress on Different Endoscopic Hemostatic Regimens for the Treatment of Acute Non-Varicose Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage is a highly prevalent clinical condition, with the majority of cases representing acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. With the advancement of modern medicine, endoscopy has become an indispensable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. In order to achieve optimal results in the endoscopic treatment of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it is essential to make an accurate and timely diagnosis and select the most appropriate treatment method. This article introduces the definition of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (ANVUGIB) and the importance of endoscopic treatment for this disease. It then presents an overview of various assessment systems for ANVUGIB and an overview of endoscopic advances in thermal coagulation, mechanical hemostasis, and topical pharmacological injection hemostasis for three aspects of ANVUGIB-related bleeding. In particular, this article discusses the therapeutic efficacy and safety of different treatment options for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding, as well as the advantages and limitations of these treatment options in managing this disease.

Predictive utility of the Rockall scoring system in patients suffering from acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage

BACKGROUND Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(ANVUGIB)represents a sig-nificant clinical challenge due to its unpredictability and potentially severe out-comes.The Rockall risk score has emerged as a critical tool for prognostic asse-ssment in patients with ANVUGIB,aiding in the prediction of rebleeding and mo-rtality.However,its applicability and accuracy in the Chinese population remain understudied.AIM To assess the prognostic value of the Rockall risk score in a Chinese cohort of patients with ANVUGIB.METHODS A retrospective analysis of 168 ANVUGIB patients’medical records was condu-cted.The study employed statistical tests,including the t-test,χ^(2) test,spearman correlation,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analysis,to assess the re-lationship between the Rockall score and clinical outcomes,specifically focusing on rebleeding events within 3 months post-assessment.RESULTS Significant associations were found between the Rockall score and various clinical outcomes.High Rockall scores were significantly associated with rebleeding events(r=0.735,R2=0.541,P<0.001)and strongly positively correlated with adverse outcomes.Low hemoglobin levels(t=2.843,P=0.005),high international normalized ratio(t=3.710,P<0.001),active bleeding during endoscopy(χ^(2)=7.950,P=0.005),large ulcer size(t=6.348,P<0.001),and requiring blood transfusion(χ^(2)=6.381,P=0.012)were all significantly associated with rebleeding events.Furthermore,differences in treatment and management strategies were identified between patients with and without rebleeding events.ROC analysis indicated the excellent discriminative power(sensitivity:0.914;specificity:0.816;area under the curve:0.933;Youden index:0.730)of the Rockall score in predicting rebleeding events within 3 months.CONCLUSION This study provides valuable insights into the prognostic value of the Rockall risk score for ANVUGIB in the Chinese population.The results underscore the potential of the Rockall score as an effective tool for risk strati-fication and prognostication,with implications for guiding risk-appropriate management strategies and optimizing care for patients with ANVUGIB.

Efficacy of ankaferd blood stopper application on nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM:To prospectively assess the hemostatic efficacy of the endoscopic topical use of ankaferd blood stopper(ABS) in active non-variceal upper gastrointestinal system(GIS) bleeding.METHODS:Endoscopy was performed on 220 patients under suspiciency of GIS bleeding.Patients with active non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(NVUGIB) with a spurting or oozing type were included.Firstly,8-10 cc of isotonic saline was sprayed to bleeding lesions.Then,8 cc of ABS was applied on lesions in which bleeding continued after isotonic saline application.The other endoscopic therapeutic methods were applied on the lesions in which the bleeding did not stop after ABS.RESULTS:Twenty-seven patients had an active NVUGIB with a spurting or oozing type and 193 patients were excluded from the study since they did not have non-variceal active bleeding.8 cc of ABS was sprayed on to the lesions of 26 patients whose bleeding continued after isotonic saline and in 19 of them,bleeding stopped after ABS.Other endoscopic treatment methods were applied to the remaining patients and the bleeding was stopped with these interventions in 6 of 7 patients.CONCLUSION:ABS is an effective method on NVUGIB,particularly on young patients with no coagulopathy.ABS may be considered as part of a combination treatment with other endoscopic methods.

Potential role of new technological innovations in nonvariceal hemorrhage

The present armamentarium of endoscopic hemostatic therapy for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage includes injection,electrocautery and clips.There are newer endoscopic options such as hemostatic sprays,endoscopic suturing and modifications of current options including coagulation forceps and over-the-scope clips.Peptic hemorrhage is the most prevalent type of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and traditional endoscopic interventions have demonstrated significant hemostasis success.However,the hemostatic success rate is less for other entities such as Dieulafoy’s lesions and bleeding from malignant lesions.Novel innovations such as endoscopic submucosal dissection and peroral endoscopic myotomy has spawned a need for dependable hemostasis.Gastric antral vascular ectasias are associated with chronic gastrointestinal bleeding and usually treated by standard argon plasma coagulation (APC),but newer modalities such as radiofrequency ablation,banding,cryotherapy and hybrid APC have been utilized as well.We will opine on whether the newer hemostatic modalities have generated success when traditional modalities fail and should any of these modalities be routinely available in the endoscopic toolbox.

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.

Role of multidetector computed tomography angiography in nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding:A comprehensive review

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(NVUGIB)is a common gastroenterological emergency associated with significant morbidity and mortality.Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is currently recommended as the gold standard modality for both diagnosis and treatment,with computed tomography traditionally playing a limited role in the diagnosis of acute NVUGIB.Following the introduction of multidetector computed tomography(MDCT),this modality is emerging as a promising tool in the diagnosis of NVUGIB.However,to date,evidence concerning the role of MDCT in the NVUGIB diagnosis is still lacking.The aim of our study was to review the current evidence concerning the role of MDCT in the diagnosis of acute NVUGIB.

The clinical significance of upper gastrointestinal bleeding etiology score in determining variceal bleeding

BACKGROUND: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common, and potentially life threatening condition, which can be divided into variceal and non-variceal sources of bleeding. OBJECTIVE: To examine the validity of the upper gastrointestinal bleeding etiology score compared to the current gold standard, the emergency Esophagogastroduodenos-copy (EGD), for determining the etiology of UGIB. METHODOLOGY: 101 patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding presented in the emergency department of Capital Hospital, Islamabad between February 2010 and March 2012 were in- cluded in this cross-sectional study. The upper gastrointestinal bleeding score was computed for each case by accounting for the clinical parameters of previous diagnosis of cirrhosis or signs of chronic liver disease × 3.1, presence of red vomitus × 1.5, and red N/G aspirate × 1.2. Each parameter was given a score of 1 if present, and 0 if absent, with a total score ≥3.1 favoring variceal bleed, and a score of <3.1 indicating non-variceal bleeding as a cause of UGIB. Esophago-gastroduodenoscopy was performed within 72 hours of presentation. RESULTS: The mean ± SD age of the patients was 50.2 ± 14.1 years ranging from 18 to 80 years. Out of 101 patients, 56% were males while the remaining 44% were females. The sensitivity of the UGIB score was 78.2% and the specificity was 84.3%. The positive predictive value (PPV) was 91.5% and negative predictive value (NPV) was 64.2%. The overall diagnostic accuracy of UGIB score in determining variceal bleeding was found to be 80.2%. CONCLUSION: Variceal bleeding is a common cause of UGIB in Pakistan. UGIB etiology score is a highly sensitive and specific clinical tool in determining the etiology of UGIB as either variceal or non-variceal bleeding.