How do we differentiate variceal bleeding from non-variceal bleeding before emergency endoscopy in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

Abstract

Objectives: Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB) is still a serious condition in spite of development of new medications and endoscopic devices. However, little is known on how to differentiate variceal bleeding from non-variceal bleeding before emergency endoscopy. This study evaluated the clinical factors differentiating variceal bleeding from non-variceal bleeding before emergency endoscopy in patients with AUGIB. Methods: From January 2009 to December 2012, the medical records of 341 patients with AUGIB treated in Chung-Ang University Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.