Gastrointestinal Bleeding Group Research Articles

Gastrointestinal bleeding risk factors in type A aortic dissection post-aortic arch replacement.

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a notable complication in patients diagnosed with aortic dissection (AD). We evaluated the outcomes and identified the risk factors associated with GIB in patients with AD. A retrospective case-control study was conducted on patients diagnosed with type A aortic dissection (TAAD) who underwent total aortic arch replacement (TAAR) at our institution from July 2021 to July 2023. Comprehensive clinical data, laboratory findings, and imaging results were meticulously gathered and analyzed to identify potential risk factors linked to GIB in this patient cohort. Of the 198 AD patients who underwent TAAR, 38 (19.2%) developed postoperative GIB (GIB group), with a median interval of 7 days between surgery and bleeding onset. The GIB group exhibited significantly higher mortality (26.3% vs. 3.1%, P<0.001), prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay {15 [interquartile range (IQR), 8-25] vs. 7 (IQR, 5-12) days, P<0.001}, and extended duration of ventilation [168 (IQR, 120-372) vs. 71 (IQR, 34-148) hours, P<0.001] compared to the control group (n=160, 80.8%). Logistic regression analysis identified age >54 years [odds ratio (OR): 3.529], intraoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion >600 mL (OR: 3.865), and concomitant celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) hypoperfusion (OR: 15.974) as independent risk factors for GIB in AD patients. GIB subsequent to TAAR in AD patients is linked to adverse prognosis. Factors such as advanced age, extensive intraoperative transfusion, and gastrointestinal (GI) perfusion abnormalities may heighten the risk of GIB in this patient population.

Age-to-Glasgow Coma Scale score ratio predicts gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage.

Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that advanced age and low initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score were independent predictors of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, used singly, age and GCS score have their respective shortcomings in predicting the occurrence of GIB. This study aimed to investigate the association between the age-to-initial GCS score ratio (AGR) and the risk of GIB following ICH. We conducted a single-center, retrospective observational study of consecutive patients presenting with spontaneous primary ICH at our hospital from January 2017 through January 2021. Patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were categorized into GIB and non-GIB groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were implemented to identify the independent risk factors for the occurrence of GIB, and a multicollinearity test was performed. Furthermore, one-to-one matching was conducted to balance important patient characteristics by the groups' propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. A total of 786 consecutive patients fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria for the study, and 64 (8.14%) patients experienced GIB after primary ICH. Univariate analysis revealed that patients with GIB were significantly older [64.0 (55.0-71.75) years vs. 57.0 (51.0-66.0) years, p = 0.001] and had a higher AGR [7.32 (5.24-8.96) vs. 5.40 (4.31-7.11), p < 0.001] and a lower initial GCS score [9.0 (7.0-11.0) vs. 11.0 (8.0-13.0), p < 0.001]. The multicollinearity test revealed that no multicollinearity was observed in the multivariable models. Multivariate analysis showed that the AGR was a significant independent predictor of GIB [odds ratio (OR) 1.155, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.041-1.281, p = 0.007], as well as prior anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy (OR 0.388, 95% CI 0.160-0.940, p = 0.036) and MV used >24 h (OR 0.462, 95% CI 0.252-0.848, p = 0.013). Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis illustrated that the optimal cutoff value for the AGR as a predictor for GIB in patients with primary ICH was 6.759 [the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.713 with a corresponding sensitivity of 60.94% and specificity of 70.5%, 95% CI 0.680-0.745, p < 0.001]. After 1:1 PSM, the matched GIB group had significantly higher AGR levels compared with the matched non-GIB group [7.47(5.38-9.32) vs. 5.24(4.24-6.40), p <0.001]. The ROC analysis indicated an AUC of 0.747 (the sensitivity was 65.62%, and the specificity was 75.0%, 95% CI 0.662-0.819, p < 0.001) for AGR levels as an independent predictor of GIB in patients with ICH. In addition, AGR levels were statistically correlated with unfunctional 90-day outcomes. A higher AGR was associated with an increased risk of GIB and unfunctional 90-day outcomes in patients with primary ICH.

Impact of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation on Severe Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients With Aortic Stenosis

To investigate the effectiveness of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for resolving gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in patients with severe GIB and severe aortic stenosis. This was an observational study of consecutive TAVI procedures from 2011 to 2018, identified through a prospectively maintained institutional database. Patients with severe GIB defined as abnormal hemoglobin/hematocrit and overt bleeding or positive fecal occult blood test. Groups were compared for differences in baseline clinical and procedural characteristics and post-TAVI outcomes. A total of 1,192 patients who underwent TAVI were identified, of which 164 patients (13.8%) were found to have had severe GIB. Society of Thoracic Surgeons-Predicted Risk of Mortality scores were higher in the severe GIB group than in the non-GIB group (8.8 ± 5.3 vs 7.6 ± 4.5, p=0.002). The 30-day mortality was similar across each group (p >0.05), with overall 30-day mortality being 3.2% (38 of 1,192) for the entire cohort. Of the 164 TAVIs with severe GIB, 130 (79.3%) had resolution of their GIB after their TAVI. Patients without resolution of their GIB had higher aortic valve mean pressure gradients after their TAVI (15.0 ± 5.3 vs 9.0 ± 4.3). In conclusion, TAVI was associated with substantial reductions in severe GIB. Despite higher baseline risk, patients with severe GIB achieved similar outcomes, including 30-day mortality, compared with patients without GIB. TAVI may be a safe and effective treatment for patients with severe aortic stenosis and severe GIB, whereas persistently high transvalvular pressure gradients after TAVI may be related to the likelihood of recurrent GIB.

Gastrointestinal bleeding preceding new-onset atrial fibrillation - results from the nationwide FinACAF study

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District Funding The Finnish Foundation of Cardiovascular Research Introduction Initiation of oral anticoagulation (OAC) in case of a new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) requires assessment of bleeding history. Gastrointestinal (GI) bleedings are among the most common bleeding events. Purpose We aimed to assess clinical characteristics and initiation of OAC in patients with new-onset AF and a history of previous GI bleeding. Methods The Finnish AntiCoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation (FinACAF) study is a nationwide study among AF patients conducted as a retrospective register-based linkage study combining data from several Finnish health care registers. The study population consists of all patients diagnosed with AF between the years 2010-2018 and with laboratory data available. Patients were identified from nationwide primary care and reimbursement registries and hospitalization records. OAC purchases at 90 days from cohort entry were obtained from the National Prescription Register upheld by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. Results 134 242 patients from the initial FinACAF cohort were included in this substudy. Of these, 6543 (4.9%) patients had a history of GI bleeding. Those with GI bleeding were more often male (52.6%), older (mean age 76.6 ± 11.4 vs 72.4 ± 13.1 years), and had more comorbidities. They also had lower blood hemoglobin (mean 124.9 ± 21.3 vs 135.8 ± 18.4 g/l) and higher serum creatinine (mean 99.7 ± 75.8 vs 87.5 ± 52.7 µmol/l) levels than patiens without preceding GI bleeding. Furthermore, initiation of OAC medication was less frequent in the GI bleeding group (46.9% vs 58.6%). Patient characteristics of the study population including age, sex, comorbidities, OAC medication and laboratory findings are shown in Figures 1 and 2. Conclusions Patients with AF and preceding GI bleeding are vulnerable to rebleeding events. This may affect decision-making of clinicians, leading to more infrequent initiation of OAC medications.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding Risk Factors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

To investigate the factors leading to the development of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) by comparing patients with diabetes mellitus Type 2 (T2DM) with dyspeptic complaints without GIB; and patients with T2DM who had GIB, regardless of the presence of helicobacter pylori. Analytical study. Department of Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, from January 2018 to June 2019. The patients were divided into GIB and dyspepsia groups. After the identification of patients in both groups, demographic characteristics, drugs, comorbidities, presence of diabetic macro- and micro-vascular complications, and endoscopic findings were examined retrospectively for each patient. There were 106 patients, with 53 patients in each group. Mean age was significantly higher in the GIB group compared to the dyspepsia group (p<0.001). Body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower in the GIB group (p<0.001). Frequency of congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and cerebrovascular disease (CVD), heart valve disease, and cardiac arrhythmia was significantly higher in GIB group (p <0.05 for all). No significant correlation was found between acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) use and GIB (p=0.103). The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC), and clopidogrel was significantly higher in the GIB group (p=0.032, p=0.031, and p=0.032, respectively). Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use was significantly higher in the dyspepsia group (p=0.002). Age, and poly medications were associated with increased frequency of GIB. The use of ASA, when not administered with other agents that may induce GIB, does not increase the risk of developing GIB in obese T2DM patients younger than 65 years of age, who have increased HbA1c levels. Key Words: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Dyspepsia, Gastrointestinal bleeding, Acetylsalicylic acid, Risk factors, Obesity, Medication.

S674 Incidence of Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients and Subsequent Clinical Outcomes

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) is known for its pathologic effects on micro-vasculature and is proposed to afflict the gastrointestinal tract via the ACE2 receptors. We hypothesize that there is a higher incidence and an increased risk of mortality among Covid-19 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). Methods: This retrospective study included 2,711 patients ages 18 years or older who tested positive for Covid-19 between March 2020 through March 2021 at a public hospital in New York City. GIB was documented based on clinical criteria and a decrease in hemoglobin level. Patients were divided into two groups, GIB and non-GIB. We examined baseline characteristics of sex and age, as well as comorbidities including diabetes mellitus type 2, chronic kidney disease (CKD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension (HTN), heart failure (HF), and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use. We used T-test for statistical analysis of age and Pearson's chi-squared test for the primary outcome of all-cause mortality and the secondary outcomes of acute kidney injury, vasopressor use, and mechanical ventilation. Results: Of 2,711 patients, 205 (incidence of 8.18%) developed GIB. Overall sample characteristics included mean age of 71.15 (SD = 16.36) and 63.36 (SD = 19.26) for GIB and non-GIB groups, respectively. Males comprised 54.6% of the GIB group and 54.1% of the non-GIB group. Baseline clinical characteristics except for sex significantly differed between groups (p< 0.05). The odds of all-cause mortality (OR: 2.604, 95% CI: 1.947, 3.482, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the GIB group. For secondary outcomes, patients with GIB had increased unadjusted odds for acute kidney injury (OR: 3.238, 95% CI: 2.387, 4.392, p < 0.001), vasopressor use (OR: 3.004, 95% CI: 2.242, 4.023, p< 0.001), and mechanical ventilation (OR: 2.806, 95% CI: 2.079, 3.787, p< 0.001). Conclusion: GIB is associated with increased odds for all-cause mortality, mechanical ventilation, vasopressor use, and acute kidney injury compared to patients without GIB. Despite having largely differing baseline characteristics, these findings support studies that suggest a correlation between GI symptoms and Covid-19 disease severity. Future research with a larger sample size is needed. Subsequently, supportive care is key to decreasing morbidity and mortality amongst these patients.

Gastrointestinal bleeding increases the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events in patients with acute cardiovascular diseases requiring intensive care.

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding worsens the outcomes of critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Owing to a lack of corresponding data, we aimed to investigate whether GI bleeding during cardiovascular-ICU (C-ICU) admission in acute cardiovascular (CV) disease patients is a risk factor for subsequent CV events. Totally, 492 consecutive C-ICU patients (40.9% acute coronary syndrome, 22.8% heart failure) were grouped into GI bleeding (n = 27; 12 upper GI and 15 lower GI) and non-GI bleeding (n = 465) groups. Thirty-nine patients died or developed CV events during hospitalization, and 453 were followed up from the date of C-ICU discharge to evaluate subsequent major adverse CV events. The GI bleeding group had a higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (20.2 ± 8.2 vs. 15.1 ± 6.8, p < 0.001), higher frequency of mechanical ventilator use (29.6% vs. 13.1%, p = 0.039), and longer C-ICU admission duration (8 [5–16] days vs. 5 [3–8] days, p < 0.001) than the non-GI bleeding group. The in-hospital mortality rate did not differ between the groups. Of those who were followed-up, CV events after C-ICU discharge were identified in 34.6% and 14.3% of patients in the GI and non-GI bleeding groups, respectively, during a median follow-up period of 228 days (log rank, p < 0.001). GI bleeding was an independent risk factor for subsequent CV events (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.23, 95% confidence interval: 1.06–4.71; p = 0.035). GI bleeding during C-ICU admission was independently associated with subsequent CV events in such settings.

Gastrointestinal bleeding in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a propensity score matched cohort study.

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding has been observed amongst patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Recently, anticoagulation has shown to decrease mortality, but it is unclear whether this contributes to increased GI bleeding. The aims of this study are: (i) to examine whether there are risk factors for GI bleeding in COVID-19 patients and (ii) to study whether there is a mortality difference between hospitalized patients with COVID-19 with and without GI bleeding. This is a propensity score matched case-control study from a large health system in the New York metropolitan area between March 1st and April 27th. COVID-19 patients with GI bleeding were matched 1:1 to COVID-19 patients without bleeding using a propensity score that took into account comorbidities, demographics, GI bleeding risk factors and length of stay. Of 11, 158 hospitalized with COVID-19, 314 patients were identified with GI bleeding. The point prevalence of GI bleeding was 3%. There were no identifiable risk factors for GI bleeding. Use of anticoagulation medication or antiplatelet agents was not associated with increased risk of GI bleeding in COVID-19 patients. For patients who developed a GI bleed during the hospitalization, there was an increased mortality risk in the GI bleeding group (OR 1.58, P=0.02). Use of anticoagulation or antiplatelet agents was not risk factors for GI bleeding in a large cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Those with GI bleeding during the hospitalization had increased mortality.

Risk of pump thrombosis and stroke in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common complication following the placement of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) in patients with advanced heart failure. Secondary events arising as a result of GI bleeding have not been well-described. Furthermore, attribution of these events to bleeding is complicated by the interruption or de-intensification of antithrombotic therapy, while bleeding is controlled. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of pump thrombosis and ischemic stroke in patients with LVADs who experience GI bleeding, while on support. This was a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study of consecutive patients with LVADs implanted from January 2012 to June 2018. Patients were assigned to comparator groups based on whether they experienced GI bleeding while on LVAD support. The primary endpoint assessed was the composite of pump thrombosis or ischemic stroke. Secondary endpoints assessed included incidence of pump thrombosis or ischemic stroke. A total of 250 patients were included after screening for exclusion criteria, 101 (40.4%) in the GI bleeding group, and 149 (59.6%) in the non-bleeding group. The incidence of pump thrombosis or ischemic stroke was not significantly greater in patients experiencing GI bleeding [23 (22.8%) vs. 21 (14.1%); P=.09]; however, the incidence of ischemic stroke alone was significantly greater [17 (16.8%) vs. 10 (6.7%); P=.01]. We conclude that GI bleeding in LVAD patients may be associated with a greater risk of ischemic stroke.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding in ECMO Patients: Incidence and Outcomes

Extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) indications and usage has remarkably progressed over the past decade. While the newer technology has improved durability compared to earlier generations, increased frequency in some complications has been seen, including gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). We discuss the incidence and outcomes of GIB in patients receiving ECMO. From September 2014 to September 2019, 468 patients required ECMO support for different indications (VA: 302, VV: 133, Combined: 33). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and identified 48 (10.3%) patients diagnosed with GIB after being placed on ECMO. Their pre-cannulation characteristics and outcomes were then compared to the remaining patients (no GIB group). Fisher's exact test was used to test significance in categorical variables, and t-test for continuous variables. A total of 48 patients (mean age 59±14, male 35) were diagnosed with GIB post ECMO, of those 31 patients (65%) had upper GIB, 9 (19%) had lower GIB and 3 (6%) had combined. In 5 patients (10%) bleeding was unspecified. The mean time from ECMO initiation to the presentation of the event was 11 days (±11) and ranged from same day of cannulation to up to 60 days. Thirty-one patients (65%) were in the VA ECMO group, and 8 (17%) on VV ECMO. The remaining 9 (19%) patients were in the combined ECMO group. As seen in table 1, the mean duration of ECMO support and pre- cannulation SOFA score were significantly higher in the GIB group (p < 0.01). No difference was noted on the other Parameters Furthermore, the overall hospital discharge rate showed no significant difference between both groups (p=0.95), even when considering different ECMO types (VA ECMO: p=0.32, VV ECMO: p=0.47) CONCLUSION: Our data shows that GIB is a frequent complication (10.3%) in ECMO patients. However, there was no impact on the outcomes. Further studies are required to investigate and help better understand the etiology of GIB in those patients.

Gastrointestinal bleeding is associated with renal prognosis in adult patients with IgA vasculitis with nephritis.

BackgroundAlthough the prediction of renal prognosis in patients with IgA vasculitis with nephritis (IgAVN) is important, the association between gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and its renal prognosis is unknown. This study investigated the effect of GIB on the progression to end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) in patients with IgAVN.MethodsWe compared the clinicopathological findings at diagnosis, therapy, and clinical outcomes between 10 patients with GIB and 20 patients without GIB in 30 patients with IgAVN aged ≥18 years at the renal biopsy. The primary outcome was the incidence of ESKD. Secondary outcomes included clinical remission and all‐cause mortality. The outcomes and factors affecting the progression to ESKD were evaluated using the Kaplan‐Meier method with log‐rank test and Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsEnd‐stage kidney disease, clinical remission, and deaths from any related cause occurred in 6, 17, and 2 patients, respectively. In Kaplan‐Meier analyses, the GIB group showed a higher incidence of ESKD (50% vs 5%, P = .003) and a lower incidence of clinical remission (20% vs 75%, P = .003). Although the numbers were not statistically significant, this group tended to have a greater number of deaths than the non‐GIB group (7% vs 0%, P = .07). In a multivariable Cox model adjusted for hypertension and urinary proteinuria, GIB could not demonstrate a significant association with ESKD (hazard ratio, 4.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.39‐52.7; P = .23).ConclusionIgAVN with GIB has worse renal outcome, but GIB does not have a statistically significant association with progression to ESKD.

Incidence, Predictors, and Outcomes of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients Admitted With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) complicating ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) poses significant management challenges and may be associated with poor outcomes. We sought to evaluate the incidence and outcomes of GIB in STEMI patients using a nationwide database. We identified adults admitted with STEMI between in the National Inpatient Sample (2003 to 2016), and compared the morbidity, mortality, resource utilization, and cost in patients with and without GIB. We assessed rates of endoscopy referral and its associated with mortality. Among 1,450,696 weighted STEMI hospitalizations, 32,624 (2.2%) were complicated with GIB. Patients with GIB were older, and had distinctive characteristics compared to those without GIB. Older age, cardiogenic shock; history of peptic ulcer disease, cirrhosis, anemia, or alcohol use disorder were the strongest predictors of GIB during STEMI hospitalizations. In-hospital mortality was higher in the GIB group (28.2% vs 11.1%, p <0.001). The excess mortality associated with GIB persisted after propensity-score matching, and in sensitivity analyses excluding patients who underwent coronary intervention >24-hours after admission, and those transferred to another hospital. Post-STEMI GIB was associated with more strokes and acute kidney injury, longer hospitalizations, and higher cost. In a logistic regression analysis, GIB was independently associated with mortality (odds ratios [OR] 1.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.85 to 1.97, p <0.001). There was a correlation between undergoing endoscopy and lower in-hospital mortality (unadjusted OR 0.27; 95% CI, 0.24 to 0.29; adjusted-OR 0.30; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.33; p <0.001). In conclusion, GIB complicating STEMI is uncommon but is associated with excess morbidity, mortality, resource utilization and cost. Referral to endoscopy in this cohort may be associated with reduced in-hospital mortality.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding With Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVAD): Locating the Leak and Identifying Outcomes.

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a significant complication following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We evaluated the incidence, predictors, endoscopic findings, and outcomes of GIB in LVAD recipients. Retrospective review of 205 adult patients undergoing HeartMate II LVAD implantation from January 2012 to June 2016. Patients were reviewed and separated into GIB (n=57; 28%) and non-GIB (n=148; 72%) groups. Median time to GIB was 55 (range, 3 to 730) days. The GIB group patients were older (61±12 vs. 56±13, P=0.0042), more often underwent concomitant tricuspid valve (TV) repair (16% vs. 4%, P=0.007), and a higher percentage were assigned for destination therapy (75% vs. 55%, P=0.01). Angioectasia (33%) was the most common identified cause of GIB. Median time to endoscopic intervention was 1 day. The total number of hospital readmissions after LVAD was higher in the GIB group (median of 5 vs. 3, P=0.001), as was the total number of blood products transfused after LVAD (29 vs. 13, P≤0.0001). GIB was associated with an increased risk of death (hazard ratio, 1.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-3.25; P=0.01) and the mortality rate during hospitalization for GIB was 11% (P=0.0004). Receiving a heart transplant was associated with a decreased hazard of death (hazard ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.85; P=0.016). Older age and destination therapy as implant strategy were found to be associated with an increased risk of GIB, consistent with previous studies. A unique finding in our study is the association of TV repair with a higher incidence of GIB. Further studies are needed to investigate possible mechanisms by which TV repair increases the incidence of GIB.

Analysis of negative DSA findings in patients with acute nonvariceal gastrointestinal bleeding: A retrospective study of 133 patients

PurposeTo analyze causes of acute nonvariceal gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) with negative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) results. Materials and methodsThe clinical and follow-up data of 133 patients - recruited between February 2008 and November 2016 - with acute nonvariceal GIB and negative DSA results were included in this study. DSA results, diagnoses, and clinical outcomes were recorded. ResultsThe DSA results were negative in all 133 patients. Of the total, 55 patients (41.4%) chose to undergo surgery and 78 (58.6%) opted for conservative treatment. Within 30 days, there was no significant difference in the rebleeding or mortality rates between the two groups (P < .05). Of all 133 patients, 76 (57.1%) had upper GIB and 57 (42.9%) had lower GIB; within 30 days, the rebleeding rate in the upper GIB group (44.7%, 34/76) was significantly higher than that in the lower GIB group (26.3%, 15/57). There was no significant statistical difference (P < .05) within 30 days in the mortality rates between the two groups.Among patients with upper GIB, 26 (34.2%, 26/76) opted to undergo surgery and 50 (65.8%, 50/76) chose conservative treatment; within 30 days, the rebleeding rate in the group that chose surgery (61.5%, 16/26) was higher than that in the conservative treatment group (36%, 18/50). There was no significant difference (P < .05) within 30 days in the mortality rate between the two groups.Among the patients with lower GIB, 29 (50.9%, 29/57) chose to undergo surgery and 28 (49.1%, 28/57) opted for conservative treatment. Within 30 days, the rebleeding rate in the surgery group (13.8%, 4/29) was lower than that in conservative treatment group (39.3%, 11/28). There was no significant difference (P < .05) within 30 days in the mortality rate between the two groups.Sixteen patients underwent prophylactic arterial embolization; in 6 of these, bleeding was stopped for 30 days. DSA was then repeated in these 16 patients after a median interval of 1 day, and a positive bleeding site was found in 9 of the 16. Causes of bleeding were found in 111 patients by surgery or endoscopy, whereas the causes remained unknown in 22 patients. ConclusionsUpper GIB with negative DSA results was stopped by conservative treatment, whereas lower GIB required surgery to detect the culprit bleeding site. Rare causes of GIB should be considered and appropriate management selected in a timely manner in order to detect unusual causes.

Temporal Trends, Predictors, and Outcomes of In-Hospital Gastrointestinal Bleeding Associated With Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Since the introduction of new antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents in the last decade, large-scale data studying gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are lacking. Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we identified all hospitalizations from 2006 to 2012 that required PCI. Temporal trends in the incidence and multivariate predictors of GIB associated with PCI were analyzed. A total of 4,376,950 patients underwent PCI in the United States during the study period. The incidence of GIB was 1.1%. Mortality rate in the GIB group was significantly higher (9.71% vs 1.1%, p <0.0001). Although the incidence of GIB remained stable during the study period (0.97% in 2006 to 1.19% in 2012), in-hospital mortality rate increased significantly from 7.9% in 2006 to 10.78% in 2012, with a peak of 12% in 2010. The GIB group had a longer median length of stay (5.80 vs 1.57days) and an increased median cost of hospitalization ($26,564 vs $16,879). The predictors of GIB included cardiovascular co-morbidities such as acute myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, valvular heart diseases, and a history of transient ischemic attack/stroke. Gastrointestinal co-morbidities including diverticulosis, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, small intestine cancer, large intestine cancer, rectosigmoid cancer, gastrointestinal ulcer, and liver disease were predictors of GIB. Interestingly, a lower risk of GIB was associated with obese patients and patients with private insurance. A higher risk of GIB was noted in urgent versus elective admissions and weekend versus weekday admissions. In conclusion, the incidence of GIB in patients who underwent PCI remained stable from 2006 to 2012; however, thein-hospital mortality increased significantly. Identifying patients at higher risk for GIBis critically important to develop preventive strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality.

The Optimal Cut-Off Value of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio for Predicting Prognosis in Adult Patients with Henoch–Schönlein Purpura

BackgroundThe development of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) can be a concern in the management of Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP). We aimed to evaluate whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with the prognosis of adult patients with HSP.MethodsClinical data including the NLR of adult patients with HSP were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified into three groups as follows: (a) simple recovery, (b) wax & wane without GI bleeding, and (c) development of GI bleeding. The optimal cut-off value was determined using a receiver operating characteristics curve and the Youden index.ResultsA total of 66 adult patients were enrolled. The NLR was higher in the GI bleeding group than in the simple recovery or wax & wane group (simple recovery vs. wax & wane vs. GI bleeding; median [IQR], 2.32 [1.61–3.11] vs. 3.18 [2.16–3.71] vs. 7.52 [4.91–10.23], P<0.001). For the purpose of predicting simple recovery, the optimal cut-off value of NLR was 3.18, and the sensitivity and specificity were 74.1% and 75.0%, respectively. For predicting development of GI bleeding, the optimal cut-off value was 3.90 and the sensitivity and specificity were 87.5% and 88.6%, respectively.ConclusionsThe NLR is useful for predicting development of GI bleeding as well as simple recovery without symptom relapse. Two different cut-off values of NLR, 3.18 for predicting an easy recovery without symptom relapse and 3.90 for predicting GI bleeding can be used in adult patients with HSP.

Characterization of gastrointestinal hemorrhage and prediction of mortality in Asian patients with alcoholic hepatitis.

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) often accompanies alcoholic hepatitis (AH). The study aimed to investigate clinical characteristics of GIB in AH patients and to identify risk factors for mortality in AH patients with GIB. Data from 329 patients hospitalized with AH in a single center during 1999-2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with AH were dichotomized into GIB and non-GIB groups. The GIB group was further divided into portal hypertensive bleeding (PHB) and non-PHB groups. Clinical characteristics and survival outcomes were compared between the groups. Risk factors for mortality were analyzed using Cox regression. Among the 329 AH patients, 132 experienced GIB at admission or during hospitalization. The most common cause of GIB was an esophageal varix. The GIB group had worse survival outcomes than the non-GIB group (log-rank test, P = 0.034). The PHB group had worse survival outcomes than the non-PHB group (log-rank test, P = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, alcohol consumption, ascites, encephalopathy, infection, Maddrey's discriminant function, and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score independently predicted mortality in the entire AH cohort. The MELD score (hazard ratio, 1.085; 95% confidence interval, 1.052-1.120; P < 0.001) and PHB (hazard ratio, 2.162; 95% confidence interval, 1.021-4.577; P = 0.044) were significant prognosticators for patients with AH and GIB. The presence of PHB and a higher MELD score adversely affected survival in AH patients with GIB. Accordingly, prompt endoscopic examination for exploring the etiologies of GIB may alert physicians to predict the risk of death in AH patients with GIB.

Assessment of safety of performing percutaneous coronary intervention after a recent episode of gastrointestinal bleeding

Little literature exists on the risk of performing coronary intervention (PCI) on patients who have had recent gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), although bleeding after PCI has been identified as a risk factor for long-term mortality. Patients within the Cleveland Clinic PCI database who had acute GIB within 30 days preceding PCI during the same hospitalization (n = 79) were retrospectively compared to those who had PCI without recent GIB (n = 10 979) for mortality and need for revascularization. Baseline characteristics, laboratory values, procedures, morbidities, and mortality were compared using chi-square test for categorical variables and using Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables. Mortality data was obtained using Social Security Death Index and demonstrated using Kaplan-Meier method. The GIB group had more prevalent history of peptic ulcer disease, GIB, gastrointestinal or liver disease (P < 0.0001), transient ischemic accident (P = 0.017), peripheral vascular disease (P = 0.0002), significant carotid artery occlusion (P = 0.023), and myocardial infarction (P < 0.0001). 47% of patients had upper GIB with 20% needing endoscopic intervention. This group had more anemia (P < 0.0001), heart failure (P = 0.0001), cardiogenic shock (10% versus 1.4%, P < 0.001), cardiac arrest (7.6% versus 1%, P < 0.001). GIB group had worse in-hospital mortality (P < 0.0001), long-term mortality (P < 0.001), and a 7.6% re-bleeding incidence. Overall, the patients who had GIB preceding PCI had higher in-hospital mortality and long-term mortality compared with those without GIB before PCI.

Temporal trends in gastrointestinal bleeding associated with percutaneous coronary intervention: Analysis of the 1998-2006 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The NIS database from 1998 to 2006 was used to identify 1,216,759 PCIs performed for ACS and CAD. We sought to analyze temporal trends in the incidence and in-hospital outcomes of GIB associated with PCI along with its predictors. The overall incidence of GIB was 1.04% (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02%-1.06%). The incidence of GIB decreased over the study period (P for trend <.0001). The overall mortality in the GIB group was 6.0% (95% CI, 5.6%-6.4%). The adjusted OR for in-hospital mortality and GIB was 4.70 (95% CI, 4.23-5.23; P < .0001); this remained high and essentially unchanged over the study period. Independent predictors of GIB included rectum/anal cancer (OR, 4.64; 95% CI, 3.20-6.73; P < .0001), stomach cancer (OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 1.62-4.66; P = .0002), esophageal cancer (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.08-3.69; P = .0288), colon cancer (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.43-2.02; P < .0001), congestive heart failure (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.35-1.52; P < .0001), and acute myocardial infarction (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.13-1.35; P < .0001). Although the incidence of GIB associated with PCI decreased from 1998 to 2006 in the face of aggressive therapies for ACS and CAD, the risk of GIB-associated death remained high. Underlying GI malignancy is a significant independent predictor of GIB associated with PCI; identifying these patients may reduce the rate of GIB.

Diagnostic Yield of Pediatric Colonoscopies Based on Presenting Symptoms in a Secondary Hospital

Purpose: We performed this study retrospectively to review the diagnostic yield of colonoscopies in children and adolescents with various gastrointestinal symptoms and to investigate the relationship between presenting symptoms and the colonoscopic findings in a secondary hospital. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients under the age of 19-years who underwent ileocolonoscopy between January 2001 and December 2010. The total number of patients (n=238) were divided into three age groups and six symptom groups. We analyzed clinical characteristics and the colonoscopic findings, and compared the colonoscopic yield between each groups. Results: The median age of the patients was 16.1 (3.1∼18.9) years. The most common presenting symptoms were lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (48.1%) in the ≤12 years group (n=27), chronic abdominal pain (31.8%) in the 13∼15 years group (n=85), and chronic diarrhea (34.9%) in the ≥16 years group (n=126). Positive colonoscopic findings were found in 21.4% of the bowel habit change group (n=28), 51.9% of the low GI bleeding group (n=54), 37.7% of the chronic diarrhea group (n=69), and 94.4% of the group with suspected inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (n=18), 38.9% of the chronic abdominal pain group (n=54) and 13.3% of the anemia group (n=15). The diagnostic yield of the total examination was 42.0%. The suspected IBD group had a higher yield than the presenting symptom groups (p＜0.001). Conclusion: Colonoscopy is a safe and useful investigation in children and adolescents with suspected colonic disease. The diagnostic yield of colonoscopy is higher in patients presenting with suspected IBD. Pediatricians practicing in primary or secondary care settings should recommend colonoscopy for patients with suspected IBD. (Korean J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2011; 14: 368∼375)