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%.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Efficacy and safety of over-the-scope-clips in the therapy of acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding:Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(ANVUGIB)is a frequent lifethreatening acute condition in gastroenterology associated with high morbidity and mortality.Over-the-scope-clip(OTSC)is a new endoscopic hemostasis technique,which is being used in ANVUGIB and is more effective.AIM To summarize and analyze the effects of the OTSC in prevention of recurrent bleeding,clinical success rate,procedure time,hospital stay,and adverse events in the treatment of ANVUGIB,to evaluate whether OTSC can replace standard endoscopic therapy as a new generation of treatment for ANVUGIB.METHODS The literature related to OTSC and standard therapy for ANVUGIB published before January 2023 was searched in PubMed,Web of Science,EMBASE,Cochrane,Google,and CNKI databases.Changes in recurrent bleeding(7 or 30 days),clinical results(clinical success rate,conversion rate to surgery,mortality),therapy time(procedure time,hospital stay),and adverse events in the OTSC intervention group were summarized and analyzed,and the MD or OR of 95%CI is calculated by Review Manager 5.3.RESULTS This meta-analysis involved 11 studies with 1266 patients.Total risk of bias was moderate-to-high.For patients in the OTSC group,7-and 30-days recurrent bleeding rates,as well as procedure time,hospital stay,and intensive care unit stay,were greatly inhibited.OTSC could significantly improve the clinical success rate of ANVUGIB.OTSC therapy did not cause serious adverse and was effective in reducing patient mortality.CONCLUSION OTSC may provide more rapid and sustained hemostasis,and thus,promote recovery and reduce mortality in patients with ANVUGIB.In addition,the safety of OTSC is assured.

Hemostatic radiotherapy for bleeding gastrointestinal

Hemostatic radiotherapy is a non-invasive treatment for bleeding gastrointestinal(GI)tumors,promoting tumor shrinkage,blood supply reduction,and fibrotic tissue formation.It is effective in cases where traditional interventions are insufficient or contraindicated and can prevent recurrent bleeding in patients with GI bleeding histories.Hypofractionation schedules are also effective for tumor control and patient compliance.

Risk factors for hemocoagulase-associated hypofibrinogenemia in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND With the widespread use of hemocoagulase in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding,clinicians have become increasingly concerned about coagulation dis-orders associated with this medication.Risk factors for hypofibrinogenemia asso-ciated with hemocoagulase are poorly understood.AIM To determine risk factors for hemocoagulase-associated hypofibrinogenemia in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding.METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of the medical documentation of hospit-alized patients treated with hemocoagulase for gastrointestinal bleeding.Hypofib-rinogenemia was defined as a decrease in plasma fibrinogen concentration to less than 2.0 g/L.The included patients were divided into two groups:acquired hypofibrinogenemia group and non-hypofibrinogenemia group.We used logistic regression analysis to identify potential risk factors and established risk assess-RESULTS There were 36 patients in the acquired hypofibrinogenemia group and 73 patients in the non-hypofibrinogenemia group.The hypofibrinogenemia group showed higher rates of intensive care unit admissions(P=0.021),more female patients(P=0.005),higher in-hospital mortality(P=0.027),larger hemocoagulase doses(P=0.026),more Packed Red Cells transfusions(P=0.024),and lower baseline fibrinogen levels(P<0.000).Binary logistic regression was employed to examine the risk factors associated with acquired hypofibrinogenemia.The analysis revealed that baseline fibrinogen[odds ratio(OR)0.252,95%CI:0.137-0.464,P<0.000],total hemocoagulase doses(OR 1.074,95%CI:1.015-1.137,P=0.014),and female gender(OR 2.856,95%CI:1.015–8.037,P=0.047)were statist-ically significant risk factors.CONCLUSION Higher doses of total hemocoagulase,female gender,and a lower baseline fibrinogen level were risk factors for hemocoagulase-associated hypofibrinogenemia in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding.

Clinical landscape and treatment of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding:Insights from a high-volume center in Shaanxi,China

In this editorial we comment on the article by Wang et al,recently published on World Journal of Clinical Cases.Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(ANVUGIB)represents a common and potentially serious gastroenterological emergency.Wang et al conducted a detailed study on the management of AN-VUGIB in a high-volume center in the Shaanxi region,China.Analyzing data from over 530 patients provided a comprehensive overview of clinical,epidemio-logical,and treatment characteristics.Results highlighted a younger patient population compared to European studies,with a higher prevalence of gastric and duodenal ulcers as the leading cause of bleeding.Endoscopic treatment is cur-rently the preferred therapeutic option,offering a variety of effective techniques.This study emphasizes the importance of implementing current guidelines in ANVUGIB management and highlights the crucial role of endoscopy in its management.

Anorectal hemangioma, a rare cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, treated with selective embolization: A case report

BACKGROUND Anorectal hemangioma is a rare and frequently misdiagnosed cause of lower gastrointestinal(GI)bleeding.Here,we present a minimally invasive therapy with selective embolization.CASE SUMMARY A 21-year-old male patient experienced painless rectal bleeding since childhood and was treated for ulcerative colitis.Diagnostic studies later revealed specific characteristics for vascular lesions-anorectal hemangiomas.The severity of rectal bleeding caused symptomatic anemia and possible surgical treatment was asso-ciated with a high risk of fecal incontinence.Here,we present selective emboli-zation,a minimally invasive therapeutic approach that is proven as an alternative therapeutic method of choice.The patient significantly improved temporarily and had a small ischemic ulcer,which healed with a control colonoscopy and deve-loped no stenosis.CONCLUSION Awareness of the clinical and radiological features of GI hemangiomas may help improve diagnostics and avoid inappropriate therapeutic procedures.

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.

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.

Advancements in endoscopic hemostasis for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal(GI)bleeding is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.Traditionally,through-the-scope(TTS)clips,thermal therapy,and injection therapies are used to treat GI bleeding.In this review,we provide an overview of novel endoscopic treatments that can be used to achieve hemostasis.Specifically,we discuss the efficacy and applicability of over-thescope clips,hemostatic agents,TTS doppler ultrasound,and endoscopic ultrasound,each of which offer an effective method of reducing rates of GI rebleeding.

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.

A Study on the Effect of Staged Enteral Nutrition Health Education on the Rehabilitation of Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Objective:To analyze the influence of stage-specific enteral nutrition health education on the rehabilitation outcomes of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding(UGIB).Methods:A total of 120 patients with UGIB,treated between August 2021 and August 2023,were randomly divided into two groups:the observation group and the control group.The control group received standard enteral nutrition nursing intervention,while the observation group received an additional stage-specific enteral nutrition health education intervention based on the control group’s method.The intervention status of the two groups was then evaluated.Results:Before the intervention,the serum hemoglobin levels of the two groups were comparable(P>0.05).After the intervention,the nutritional indicators in the observation group improved significantly and were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).Additionally,the observation group had shorter bed activity times and hospitalization periods,a lower rate of abandonment of nutritional preparations,and a higher quality of life compared to the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The implementation of stage-specific enteral nutrition health education in the treatment of patients with UGIB helps accelerate the rate of recovery,improve nutritional indexes,and enhance the quality of life of patients.

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.

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy induced cognitive decline secondary to upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a case report

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy(HIE)occurs more in neonatal and rarely in adults.In adults,HIE is commonly caused by carbon monoxide(CO)poisoning,shock,cardiac arrest,respiratory depression,anesthesia and drug overdose.[1–3]In patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding,decreased circulating blood supply causes cerebral ischemia and hypoxia,leading to dizziness,syncope and even sudden death.However,these conditions are more common especially in elderly patients with cerebrovascular stenosis,acute massive blood loss,using hemostatic agents,and high-risk factors of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.[4]Here,we reported a middle-aged male patient,who was diagnosed with HIE after upper gastrointestinal bleeding without these high-risk factors.

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.