Peptic Ulcer Bleeding Patients Research Articles

Peptic ulcer bleeding patients with Rockall scores ≥6 are at risk of long-term ulcer rebleeding: A 3.5-year prospective longitudinal study.

Patients with high Rockall scores have increased risk of rebleeding and mortality within 30days after peptic ulcer bleeding, but long-term outcomes deserve follow-up after cessation of proton pump inhibitors. The paper aimed to validate whether patients with high Rockall scores have more recurrent ulcer bleeding in a 3.5-year longitudinal cohort. Between August 2011 and July 2014, 368 patients with peptic ulcer bleeding were prospectively enrolled after endoscopic hemostasis to receive proton pump inhibitors for at least 8 to 16weeks. These subjects were categorized into either a Rockall scores ≥6 group (n=257) or a Rockall scores <6 group (n=111) and followed up until July of 2015 to assess recurrent ulcer bleeding. The proportion of patients with rebleeding during the 3.5-year follow-up was higher in patients with Rockall scores ≥6 than in those with scores <6 (10.51 vs. 3.63 per 100person-year, P=0.004, log-rank test). Among patients with Rockall scores ≥6, activated partial thromboplastin time prolonged ≥1.5-fold (P=0.045), American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class ≥III (P=0.02), and gastric ulcer (P=0.04) were three additional independent factors found to increase rebleeding risk. The cumulative rebleeding rate was higher in patients with Rockall scores ≥6 with more than or equal to any two additional factors than in those with fewer than two additional factors (15.69 vs. 7.63 per 100person-year, P=0.012, log-rank test). Patients with Rockall scores ≥6 are at risk of long-term recurrent peptic ulcer bleeding. The risk can be independently increased by the presence of activated partial thromboplastin time prolonged ≥1.5-fold, American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥III, and gastric ulcer in patients with Rockall scores ≥6.

Long-term prognosis in patients continuing taking antithrombotics after peptic ulcer bleeding.

AIMTo investigate the long-term prognosis in peptic ulcer patients continuing taking antithrombotics after ulcer bleeding, and to determine the risk factors that influence the prognosis.METHODSAll clinical data of peptic ulcer patients treated from January 1, 2009 to January 1, 2014 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Patients were divided into either a continuing group to continue taking antithrombotic drugs after ulcer bleeding or a discontinuing group to discontinue antithrombotic drugs. The primary outcome of follow-up in peptic ulcer bleeding patients was recurrent bleeding, and secondary outcome was death or acute cardiovascular disease occurrence. The final date of follow-up was December 31, 2014. Basic demographic data, complications, and disease classifications were analyzed and compared by t- or χ2-test. The number of patients that achieved various outcomes was counted and analyzed statistically. A survival curve was drawn using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the difference was compared using the log-rank test. COX regression multivariate analysis was applied to analyze risk factors for the prognosis of peptic ulcer patients.RESULTSA total of 167 patients were enrolled into this study. As for the baseline information, differences in age, smoking, alcohol abuse, and acute cardiovascular diseases were statistically significant between the continuing and discontinuing groups (70.8 ± 11.4 vs 62.4 ± 12.0, P < 0.001; 8 (8.2%) vs 15 (21.7%), P < 0.05; 65 (66.3%) vs 13 (18.8%), P < 0.001). At the end of the study, 18 patients had recurrent bleeding and three patients died or had acute cardiovascular disease in the continuing group, while four patients had recurrent bleeding and 15 patients died or had acute cardiovascular disease in the discontinuing group. The differences in these results were statistically significant (P = 0.022, P = 0.000). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve indicated that the incidence of recurrent bleeding was higher in patients in the continuing group, and the risk of death and developing acute cardiovascular disease was higher in patients in the discontinuing group (log-rank test, P = 0.000 for both). Furthermore, COX regression multivariate analysis revealed that the hazard ratio (HR) for recurrent bleeding was 2.986 (95%CI: 067-8.356, P = 0.015) in the continuing group, while HR for death or acute cardiovascular disease was 5.216 (95%CI: 1.035-26.278, P = 0.028).CONCLUSIONAfter the occurrence of peptic ulcer bleeding, continuing antithrombotics increases the risk of recurrent bleeding events, while discontinuing antithrombotics would increase the risk of death and developing cardiovascular disease. This suggests that clinicians should comprehensively consider the use of antithrombotics after peptic ulcer bleeding.

When Should Antiplatelet Agents Be Resumed After Successful Endoscopic Hemostasis in Patients with Peptic Ulcer Bleeding?

During treatment for peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB), it is imperative to determine the effect of antiplatelet agents on recurrent bleeding in order to balance risks and benefits. We compared the rate of recurrent bleeding in antiplatelet users and non-users. This retrospective study analyzed prospectively collected data from PUB patients treated by endoscopic modalities between August 2007 and December 2014. We evaluated and compared the rate of recurrent bleeding within 30days in antiplatelet users and non-users; we also categorized antiplatelet users into continuation (≤3days) and withdrawal (>3days) groups. A total of 490 patients were enrolled in the study, 302 (61.6%) and 188 (38.4%) in the non-user and antiplatelet user groups, respectively. The recurrent bleeding rate among antiplatelet users (10.1%) was significantly higher than that among non-users (5.0%; p=0.029). Among 188 antiplatelet users, 51 (27.1%) and 137 (72.9%) were assigned to the continuation and withdrawal groups, respectively. The rate of recurrent bleeding did not differ significantly between groups (11.7 vs. 5.9%, p=0.241). Multivariate analysis revealed chronic kidney disease as a risk factor [odds ratio (OR) 2.890, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.079-7.742, p=0.035]. However, antiplatelet use (OR 1.691, 95% CI 0.813-3.517, p=0.160) was not. This study highlights the need for clinicians to consider underlying diseases in antiplatelet users under the appropriate antiplatelet therapy during the post-hemostasis period. Furthermore, the optimal time to resume antiplatelet agents may be 3days after successful endoscopic hemostasis in patients with PUB.

Helicobacter pylori eradication in complicated peptic ulcer: Beneficial in most?

Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy has a role in minimizing the complications of peptic ulcer disease, namely, bleeding, perforation, and obstruction. However, the precise role of H. pylori eradication therapy in the complicated ulcers remains inconclusive, especially in perforation and gastric outlet obstruction. The prevalence of H. pylori in peptic ulcer bleeding patients has been widely underestimated owing to the differences in diagnostic tests and patient characteristics, and hence, it is recommended that an initial negative test should be followed up by a delayed repeat testing to rule out false negativity. It is well established now that eradication of H. pylori in patients with bleeding ulcers reduces rebleeding and ulcer recurrence. Multiple studies have attributed high recurrence rates of duodenal ulcer following simple closure to a high prevalence of H. pylori infection. Eradication therapy decreases the recurrence rate of perforated ulcers, thus justifying the role of H. pylori eradication therapy following the primary surgical management of perforated ulcers. The role of H. pylori in duodenal ulcer with gastric outlet obstruction is yet to be evaluated clearly. There are some reports of resolution of gastric outlet obstruction following therapy for H. pylori, obviating the need for surgery. Clarithromycin-containing regimens are recommended as first-line in areas of low resistance, whereas bismuth-containing quadruple therapy is the first-line empirical treatment in areas of high clarithromycin resistance. Treatment of H. pylori is beneficial in most of the patients with complicated peptic ulcer disease, especially in reducing recurrence of ulcer with or without complications.

Optimal Operational Definition of Patient with Peptic Ulcer Bleeding for Big Data Analysis Using Combination of Clinical Characteristics in a Secondary General Hospital

Peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) is the most common cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in Korea but there has been no research done using big data. This study evaluates the optimal operational definition (OD) for big data research by analyzing clinical characteristics of PUB. We reviewed the clinical characteristics of 92 patients with PUB confirmed on endoscopy in Wonkwang University Sanbon Hospital (January 2013 to December 2014). We calculated sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) to detect confirmed PUB patients using ODs developed by combining clinical features of patients with PUB. The mean patient age was 63 years. Men had higher prevalence of PUB than women. Bleeding gastric ulcer was proportionately common in the age range of 40s to 60s in men, while a significantly higher rate of bleeding occurred in women older than 70s. The rate of drug-induced ulcer was 28.2%, whereas the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori was 47.8%. Among the hospitalized patients with diagnostic code of PUB, we ruled out patients with endoscopic removal of gastric adenoma or peritonitis, and selected patients who had been administered intravenous proton pump inhibitor. The sensitivity in this setting was 82.6%, and PPV was 88.4%. PUB was more common in older patients, and there was a clear gender difference in gastric ulcer bleeding by age. With a proper OD using PUB diagnostic codes, we can identify true patients with sufficiently high sensitivity and PPV.

Risk Factors Associated with Rebleeding in Patients with High Risk Peptic Ulcer Bleeding: Focusing on the Role of Second Look Endoscopy.

Re-bleeding after initial hemostasis in peptic ulcer bleeding can be life threatening. Identification of factors associated with re-bleeding is important. The aims of this study were to determine incidence of rebleeding in patients with high risk peptic ulcer bleeding and to evaluate factors associated with rebleeding. Among patients diagnosed as upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage at seven hospitals in Daegu-Gyeongbuk, and one hospital in Gyeongnam, South Korea, from Feb 2011 to Dec 2013, 699 patients diagnosed as high risk peptic ulcer bleeding with Forrest classification above llb were included. The data were obtained in a prospective manner. Among 699 patients, re-bleeding occurred in 64 (9.2 %) patients. Second look endoscopy was significantly more performed in the non-rebleeding group than the rebleeding group (81.8 vs 62.5 %, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, larger transfusion volume (≥5 units), and non-performance of second look endoscopy were found as risk factors for rebleeding in high risk peptic ulcer bleeding. In our study, rebleeding was observed in 9.2 % of patients with high risk peptic ulcer bleeding. Performance of second look endoscopy seems to lower the risk of rebleeding in high risk peptic ulcer bleeding patients and caution should be paid to patients receiving high volume transfusion and on medication with NSAIDs.

Predicting risk factors for rebleeding, infections, mortality following peptic ulcer bleeding in patients with cirrhosis and the impact of antibiotics prophylaxis at different clinical stages of the disease.

BackgroundInfections in cirrhotic patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding are a common event causing severe complication and mortality. This study aimed to identify risk factors that may predict rebleeding, bacterial infections, and the impact of antibiotic prophylaxis on mortality at different stages of cirrhosis following acute peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB).MethodsA hospital-based retrospective cohort study was conducted on 235 cirrhotic patients with acute peptic ulcer hemorrhage who underwent therapeutic endoscopic procedures between January 2008 and January 2014 (n = 235); of these, 88 patients received prophylactic intravenous ceftriaxone (antibiotic group) and 147 patients did not (nil-antibiotic group). The recorded outcomes were length of hospital stay, bacterial infection, rebleeding, and in-hospital mortality.ResultsForty-eight (20.4 %) patients experienced ulcer rebleeding and 46 (19.6 %) developed bacterial infections. More patients suffered from infection and recurrent bleeding in the nil-antibiotic group than the antibiotic group (25.2 % vs. 10.2 %, p = 0.005 and 30.6 % vs. 3.4 %; p < 0.001, respectively). The predictive risk factors for rebleeding were the Rockall score (p = 0.004), units of blood transfusion (p = 0.031), and no antibiotic prophylaxis (p <0.001); for bacterial infections, they were the Child-Pugh score (p = 0.003), active alcoholism (p = 0.035), and no antibiotic prophylaxis (p = 0.009). Overall, 40 (17 %) patients died during hospitalization. The Rockall score and rebleeding were predictive factors for in-hospital mortality. In subgroup analysis, survival was significantly reduced in decompensated patients (p = 0.034).ConclusionsThis study suggests that antibiotic prophylaxis after endoscopic hemostasis for acute PUB prevented infections and reduced rebleeding events in cirrhotic patients. Antibiotic prophylaxis improved survival among decompensated cohort following PUB. The Rockall score and rebleeding were predictive risk factors for in-hospital mortality.

Effects of the CYP2C19 genetic polymorphism on gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, peptic ulcer bleeding and gastric cancer.

The CYP2C19 genotype has been found to be an important factor for peptic ulcer healing and H. pylori eradication, influencing the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical correlations of the CYP2C19 genotype in patients with gastritis, peptic ulcer disease (PUD), peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) and gastric cancer in Thailand. Clinical information, endoscopic findings and H. pylori infection status of patients were assessed between May 2012 and November 2014 in Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand. Upper GI endoscopy was performed for all patients. Five milliliters of blood were collected for H. pylori serological diagnosis and CYP2C19 study. CYP2C19 genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (RFLP) and classified as rapid metabolizer (RM), intermediate metabolizer (IM) or poor metabolizer (PM). A total of 202 patients were enrolled including 114 with gastritis, 36 with PUD, 50 with PUB and 2 with gastric cancer. Prevalence of CYP2C19 genotype was 82/202 (40.6%) in RM, 99/202 (49%) in IM and 21/202 (10.4%) in PM. Overall H. pylori infection was 138/202 patients (68.3%). H. pylori infection was demonstrated in 72% in RM genotype, 69.7% in IM genotype and 47.6% in PM genotype. Both gastric cancer patients had the IM genotype. In PUB patients, the prevalence of genotype RM (56%) was highest followed by IM (32%) and PM(12%). Furthermore, the prevalence of genotype RM in PUB was significantly greater than gastritis patients (56% vs 36%: p=0.016; OR=2.3, 95%CI=1.1-4.7). CYP2C19 genotype IM was the most common genotype whereas genotype RM was the most common in PUB patients. All gastric cancer patients had genotype IM. The CYP2C19 genotype RM might be play role in development of PUD and PUB. Further study in different population is necessary to verify clinical usefulness of CYP2C19 genotyping in development of these upper GI diseases.

The excess long-term mortality in peptic ulcer bleeding is explained by nonspecific comorbidity

Objective. Previous studies have concluded that peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) is associated with increased long-term mortality. The underlying mechanism of this excess mortality is poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to examine if PUB patients have an increased long-term mortality compared to a matched control group when adjusting for comorbidity and socioeconomic status. Additionally, we identified predictive factors for mortality and examined causes of death. Material and methods. We performed an observational study, comparing consecutive patients admitted with PUB with a matched control cohort from the source population. Predictors of mortality were identified using proportional hazards models. Causes of death were retrieved from death certificates. Long-term mortality was analyzed with adjustment for Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and average income in residence municipality using proportional hazards models. Results. We included 455 PUB cases and 2224 control subjects. Median follow up was 9.7 years, and median survival for the PUB and control cohorts was 7 and 12 years, respectively (p < 0.001). PUB patients had a higher level of comorbidity (mean CCI: 0.92 vs. 0.49; p < 0.0001). After adjustments, PUB patients had an excess mortality lasting at least 10 years after presentation. Age, comorbidity, male sex, anemia, and smoking were predictors for long-term mortality. The distribution of causes of death was similar in the two cohorts. Conclusion. PUB patients have an increased long-term mortality that is explained by nonspecific comorbidity.

Effect of Omeprazole Dose, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, and Smoking on Repair Mechanisms in Acute Peptic Ulcer Bleeding

Peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) is a major cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The effect of omeprazole on mucosal repair is unknown. We studied the effect of omeprazole, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and smoking on PUB. There were 43 PUB patients who received regular or high dose of omeprazole for 72h. Biopsies from antrum and corpus were taken before and after treatment. Biopsy samples from 20 celiac disease patients worked as controls. The expression of Ki-67, Bcl-2, COX-2, Hsp27, and Hsp70 was analyzed from patients and controls. Bcl-2 expression in PUB patients was lower than in controls. However, Bcl-2 increased significantly from 5.0 (SD 4.5) to 9.1% (SD 6.7), p=0.0004, in the antrum after omeprazole. In univariate analysis, a high omeprazole dose caused a more profound increase in Ki-67 expression in the corpus: 35.3% (SD 54.8) than a regular dose: -10.1% (SD 40.6), p=0.022. In multivariate analysis, Ki-67 decreased significantly in the corpus between the pre- and posttreatment period (p=0.011), while a high omeprazole dose (p=0.0265), the use of NSAIDs (p=0.0208), and smoking (p=0.0296) significantly increased Ki-67 expression. Bcl-2 in the corpus increased significantly (p=0.0003) after treatment. Our findings suggest that Bcl-2 may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of a peptic ulcer and PUB. In addition, high-dose omeprazole increased the expression of Ki-67, which may enhance the healing process of a peptic ulcer.

Helicobacter pylori Eradication within 120 Days Is Associated with Decreased Complicated Recurrent Peptic Ulcers in Peptic Ulcer Bleeding Patients.

Background/AimsThe connection between Helicobacter pylori and complicated peptic ulcer disease in peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has not been established. In this study, we sought to determine whether delayed H. pylori eradication therapy in PUB patients increases complicated recurrent peptic ulcers.MethodsWe identified inpatient PUB patients using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. We categorized patients into early (time lag ≤120 days after peptic ulcer diagnosis) and late H. pylori eradication therapy groups. The Cox proportional hazards model was used. The primary outcome was rehospitalization for patients with complicated recurrent peptic ulcers.ResultsOur data indicated that the late H. pylori eradication therapy group had a higher rate of complicated recurrent peptic ulcers (hazard ratio [HR], 1.52; p=0.006), with time lags of more than 120 days. However, our results indicated a similar risk of complicated recurrent peptic ulcers (HR, 1.20; p=0.275) in time lags of more than 1 year and (HR, 1.10; p=0.621) more than 2 years.ConclusionsH. pylori eradication within 120 days was associated with decreased complicated recurrent peptic ulcers in patients with PUB. We recommend that H. pylori eradication should be conducted within 120 days in patients with PUB.

Prevalence and outcome of peptic ulcer bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis

BackgroundUpper gastrointestinal bleeding is usually classified as either variceal or non-variceal. In cirrhotic patients, variceal bleeding has been extensively studied but, 30–40% of cirrhotic patients who bleed have non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) that is frequently caused by gastro duodenal ulcers. Peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) leads to substantial morbidity and mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis. AimThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and outcome of PUB in patients with liver cirrhosis. Materials and methodsThis was a cross-sectional study. Data on cirrhotic patients with PUB over a seven-year period between January 2006 and January 2013 were collected. ResultsAmong 103 patients with NVUGIB, 62 patients (60%) having PUB were assessed. Fifty percent were male. Ages ranged from 37 to 72years, mean 59±7years. The most common symptom on presentation was hematemesis (53%). Hemodynamic instability on admission was found in 30 patients (48%). Eighteen patients (29%) had initial hemoglobin less than 7g/dl. Twenty-seven patients (44%) required blood transfusion and the average number of transfused blood units was two. Forty patients (65%) bled from gastric ulcers. Eleven patients (18%) had ulcers with adherent clot. Twenty-four percent of patients had a Rockall score more than five. Five patients (8%) rebled. Complications were reported in seven patients (11%), mainly liver failure. Overall mortality was 8%. Male gender, adherent clot, bleeding recurrence, development of complications during admission and a Rockall score >5 were significant factors for increasing mortality (P=0.02, 0.016, 0.00001, 0.034 and 0.00003 respectively). ConclusionThe commonest cause of NVUGIB in patients with liver cirrhosis was PUB. Mortality in patients with PUB was particularly high among males, patients who had adherent clot, bleeding recurrence, development of complications and a high Rockall score.

Increased mortality with peptic ulcer bleeding in patients with both compensated and decompensated cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is associated with worse outcomes in peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB). There are no population-based studies from the United States on the impact of cirrhosis on PUB outcomes. To investigate the impact of cirrhosis on outcomes of patients with PUB. Cross-sectional study. Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2009. International Classification of Diseases, the 9th revision, codes were used to identify patients with PUB and cirrhosis. The control group was patients with PUB without cirrhosis. In-hospital mortality, length of stay, and hospitalization costs. A total of 96,887 discharges with PUB as a diagnosis were identified-3574 with PUB and cirrhosis and 93,313 with PUB alone without cirrhosis. Mortality of PUB with concomitant cirrhosis was higher than in the control group without cirrhosis (5.5% vs 2%; P = .01); decompensated cirrhosis had higher mortality than did compensated cirrhosis (6.6% vs 3.9%; P = .01). In multivariate analysis, the presence of cirrhosis independently increased mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-4.9). Stratified analysis showed that decompensated cirrhosis (aOR 4.4; 95% CI, 2.6-7.3) had higher mortality than compensated cirrhosis (aOR 1.9; 95% CI, 1.04-3.6). There was no difference in the proportion of patients who underwent endoscopy within 24 hours (51.9% vs 51.1%; P = .68) between those with cirrhosis and controls. Patients with cirrhosis received less surgical intervention (aOR 0.8; 95% CI, 0.6-0.9) compared with controls. Hospitalization costs also were increased in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Administrative data set. Both decompensated and compensated cirrhosis are associated with increased mortality in patients with PUB.

Meta-analysis: comparison of oral vs. intravenous proton pump inhibitors in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding

The efficacy of adjuvant use of intravenous proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) after endoscopic therapy has been proved in peptic ulcer bleeding patients, but the efficacy of oral PPIs is uncertain. To compare the clinical outcomes of oral PPIs vs. intravenous PPIs in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding. Prospective randomised controlled trials were systematically searched from OVID databases until June 2012. Trials comparing oral and intravenous PPIs among patients with peptic ulcer bleeding were included. Recurrent bleeding, length of hospitalisation, blood transfusion, requirement of surgery and mortality were measured. The risk of bias, study quality and heterogeneity were also evaluated. Six randomised trials from 2006 to 2011 were included. A total of 615 patients were randomly assigned to receive oral PPIs (n = 302) or intravenous PPIs (n = 313). The mean age was 60 years and 71.1% was male. No significant difference between oral and intravenous PPIs was observed regarding recurrent bleeding (RR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.56-1.50), mean volume of blood transfused (-0.02 unit, 95% CI: -0.29-0.24 unit), requirement of surgery (RR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.19-3.61) and all-cause mortality (RR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.29-2.71). The duration of hospital stay in days was significantly shortened in those using oral PPIs (-0.74 day, 95% CI: -1.10 day to -0.39 day). Oral PPIs demonstrate a similar effectiveness to intravenous PPIs among patients with peptic ulcer bleeding, but the results were combined from open-labelled trials with limited sample size. A large double-blind non-inferiority trial is required to better assess the role of oral PPIs.

Diabetes is an independent risk factor for peptic ulcer bleeding: A nationwide population‐based cohort study

Diabetic patients reportedly have a higher incidence of peptic ulcer disease. The aim of this study was to investigate if type II diabetic patients have higher risk of developing peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) and to identify possible risk factors of PUB in diabetic patients. Using the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, records of 5699 type II diabetic patients and 11,226 age- and sex-matched non-diabetic patients in a 1:2 ratio were extracted for comparison from a cohort dataset of 1,000,000 randomly sampled subjects. Log-rank test was used to analyze differences in cumulative hazard of PUB between the two groups. Cox proportional hazard regressions were used to evaluate independent risk factors for PUB in all patients and identified risk factors of PUB in type II diabetic patients. In a 7-year follow-up period, type II diabetic patients had significantly higher cumulative hazard of PUB than the controls (P < 0.001, log-rank test). By Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, diabetes was independently associated with increased risk of PUB (hazard ratio 1.44, 95% confidence interval 1.11-1.86; P < 0.001) after adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities (e.g. hypertension, coronary heart disease, heart failure, chronic renal disease, cirrhosis, and peptic ulcer disease), and ulcerogenic medication. Age, chronic renal disease, history of peptic ulcer disease, and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were risk factors for PUB in diabetic patients. Type II diabetic patients have significantly higher risk of PUB even after adjustments for possible confounding factors like age, sex, underlying comorbidities, and ulcerogenic medication.

Improving Quality of Care in Peptic Ulcer Bleeding: Nationwide Cohort Study of 13,498 Consecutive Patients in the Danish Clinical Register of Emergency Surgery

The treatment of peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) is complex, and mortality remains high. We present results from a nationwide initiative to monitor and improve the quality of care (QOC) in PUB. All Danish hospitals treating PUB patients between 2004 and 2011 prospectively registered demographic, clinical, and prognostic data. QOC was evaluated using eight process and outcome indicators, including time to initial endoscopy, hemostasis obtainment, proportion undergoing surgery, rebleeding risks, and 30-day mortality. A total of 13,498 PUB patients (median age 74 years) were included, of which one-quarter were in-hospital bleeders. Preadmission use of anticoagulants, multiple coexisting diseases, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists scores increased between 2004 and 2011. Considerable improvements were observed for most QOC indicators over time. Endoscopic treatment was successful with primary hemostasis achieved in more patients (94% in 2010-2011 vs. 89% in 2004-2006, relative risk (RR) 1.06 (95% confidence intervals 1.04-1.08)), endoscopy delay for hemodynamically unstable patients decreased during this period (43% vs. 34% had endoscopy within 6 h, RR 1.33 (1.10-1.61)), and fewer patients underwent open surgery (4% vs. 6%, RR 0.72 (0.59-0.87)). After controlling for time changes in prognostic factors, rebleeding rates improved (13% vs. 18%, adjusted RR 0.77 (0.66-0.91)). Crude 30-day mortality was unchanged (11% vs. 11%), whereas adjusted mortality decreased nonsignificantly over time (adjusted RR 0.89 (0.78-1.00)). QOC in PUB has improved substantially in Denmark, but the 30-day mortality remains high. Future initiatives to improve outcomes may include earlier endoscopy, having fully trained endoscopists on call, and increased focus on managing coexisting disease.

Effect of Comorbidity on Mortality in Patients With Peptic Ulcer Bleeding: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

By systematic review and meta-analysis, we sought to assess the impact of comorbidity on short-term mortality in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB). We conducted systematic searches in PubMed and Embase (January 1989-January 2010). Relative risks (RRs) were pooled across selected studies and an analysis of diagnostic test accuracy was performed to validate the results further. Of 1,572 identified studies, 16 were eligible for inclusion. Only three had a low risk of bias and the overall quality of evidence was low. The risk of death (30-day or in-hospital mortality) was significantly greater in PUB patients with comorbidity than in those without (RR: 4.44; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.45-8.04). The pooled sensitivity for comorbidity predicting death in patients with PUB was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.66-0.95) and the pooled specificity was 0.53 (95% CI: 0.40-0.65). PUB patients with three or more comorbidities had a greater risk of dying than those with one or two (RR: 3.46; 95% CI: 1.34-8.89). All individual comorbidities that we assessed significantly increased the risk of death associated with PUB. However, RRs were higher for hepatic, renal, and malignant disease (range: 4.04-6.33; no significant heterogeneity) than for cardiovascular and respiratory disease and diabetes (2.39, 2.45, and 1.63, respectively; no significant heterogeneity). Underlying comorbidity is consistently associated with increased mortality in patients with PUB. The number and type of comorbidities in patients with PUB should be carefully evaluated and factored into initial management strategies.

Cirrhotic patients at increased risk of peptic ulcer bleeding: a nationwide population‐based cohort study

Few large population-based studies have compared the occurrence of peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) in cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients. To investigate if cirrhotic patients have higher risk of PUB than the general population and to identify possible risk factors of PUB in cirrhotic patients. Using the National Health Insurance Research Database, a nationwide population-based dataset in Taiwan and matching age, gender, comorbidities and ulcerogenic medication by propensity score, 4013 cirrhotic patients, 8013 chronic hepatitis patients and 7793 normal controls were compared. The log-rank test was used to analyse differences in accumulated PUB-free survival rates between the groups. Cox proportional hazard regressions were performed to evaluate independent risk factors for PUB in all patients and identified risk factors of PUB in cirrhotic patients. During the 7-year follow-up, cirrhotic patients had significantly higher incidences of PUB than chronic hepatitis patients and controls, respectively (P < 0.001 by log-rank test). By Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, cirrhosis was independently associated with increased risk of PUB (hazard ratio: 4.22; 95% CI 3.37-5.29, P < 0.001) after adjusting for age, gender, economic status, underlying comorbidities and ulcerogenic medication. Age, male, diabetes, chronic renal disease, history of gastro-oesophageal variceal bleeding and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were risk factors for PUB in cirrhotic patients. Cirrhotic patients have a significantly higher risk of peptic ulcer bleeding after adjustments for possible confounding factors like age, gender, economic status, underlying comorbidities and ulcerogenic medication.

Long-term risk of recurrent peptic ulcer bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis: A 10-year nationwide cohort study

Peptic ulcer bleeding leads to substantial morbidity and mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis, but their long-term risk of recurrent bleeding remains elusive. This nationwide cohort study aimed to elucidate the association between cirrhosis and recurrent peptic ulcer bleeding by analyzing the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. We enrolled a total of 9,711 patients who had cirrhosis with clinical complications of portal hypertension from all patients (n = 271,030) hospitalized for peptic ulcer bleeding between January 1997 and December 2006, along with 38,844 controls who were matched at a 1:4 proportion for age, sex, and antisecretory agents. We accounted for death as the competing cause of risk when calculating the cumulative incidences and hazard ratios of recurrent bleeding during the 10-year study period. Overall, patients with cirrhosis had a significantly higher death-adjusted rebleeding rate compared with controls (1 year, 14.4% versus 11.3%; 5 years, 26.1% versus 22.5%; 10 years, 28.4% versus 27.1%; P < 0.001). The modified Cox proportional hazard model verified that cirrhosis was significantly associated with peptic ulcer rebleeding (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.19; 95% confidence interval, 2.62-3.88), but also uncovered a seemingly paradoxical interaction between cirrhosis and age. Multivariate stratified analysis further revealed that the rebleeding risk after adjustment for death diminished with age in patients with cirrhosis, whose risk of death far exceeded that of rebleeding when they grew old. Liver cirrhosis is associated with long-term risk of recurrent peptic ulcer bleeding, although the risk declines with age because of death being the competing cause. Effective therapy should be sought to reduce this excessive risk in these critically ill patients, particularly for those at younger age with longer life expectancy.

Incidence and 30-day mortality of peptic ulcer bleeding in Korea

To estimate the rates of peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) incidence and the association of demographic factors with 30-day mortality after PUB. Diagnostic algorithms for PUB were derived and validated on the basis of 115 true PUB patients at one tertiary hospital in 2005, followed by estimation of age-specific PUB incidence and 30-day mortality rates, using the Korean National Health Insurance claim database. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine the impact of demographic factors on the 30-day mortality rate ratio (MRR) after PUB. The diagnostic algorithm showed 89 and 88% positive predictive value and sensitivity, respectively. On the basis of this algorithm, the rate of PUB incidence was 22.1 per 100 000 during 2006-2007 and the age-specific incidence rate increased with advanced age. This incidence rate was more than three times higher among men than women. Among 21 107 PUB patients, the overall 30-day mortality rate was 2.15%, but it ranged from 0.83% for patients younger than 60 years to 7.65% for patients older than 80 years. The adjusted 30-day mortality rate ratio for patients older than 80 was 8.13 (95% confidence interval 6.10-10.8) compared with those younger than 60 and 7.09 (95% confidence interval 2.78-4.51) for patients with a high level of comorbidity compared with a low level of comorbidity. PUB incidence was higher among men and increased with advanced age. Increased 30-day mortality was observed in association with increasing age, after adjusting for comorbidity.