Incidence Of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Research Articles

Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis Versus Placebo-A Blinded Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Safety of Two Strategies in Critically Ill Infants With Congenital Heart Disease.

The routine use of stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) in the cardiac ICU (CICU) is controversial. We aimed to conduct a pilot study to explore the feasibility of performing a subsequent larger trial to assess the safety and efficacy of withholding SUP in this population (NCT03667703). Single-center, prospective, double-blinded, parallel group (SUP vs. placebo), pilot randomized controlled pilot trial (RCT) in infants with CHD admitted to the CICU and anticipated to require respiratory support for greater than 24 hours. Patients were randomized 1:1 (stratified by age and admission type) to receive a histamine-2 receptor antagonist or placebo until respiratory support was discontinued, up to 14 days, or transfer from the CICU, if earlier. Feasibility was defined a priori by thresholds of screening rate, consent rate, timely drug allocation, and protocol adherence. The safety outcome was the rate of clinically significant upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding. We screened 1,426 patients from February 2019 to March 2022; of 132 eligible patients, we gained informed consent in 70 (53%). Two patients did not require CICU admission after obtaining consent, and the remaining 68 patients were randomized to SUP (n = 34) or placebo (n = 34). Ten patients were withdrawn early, because of a change in eligibility (n = 3) or open-label SUP use (n = 7, 10%). Study procedures were completed in 58 patients (89% protocol adherence). All feasibility criteria were met. There were no clinically significant episodes of UGI bleeding during the pilot RCT. The percentage of patients with other nonserious adverse events did not differ between groups. Withholding of SUP in infants with CHD admitted to the CICU was feasible. A larger multicenter RCT designed to confirm the safety of this intervention and its impact on incidence of UGI bleeding, gastrointestinal microbiome, and other clinical outcomes is warranted.

Age-specific causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children.

The etiology of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) varies by age, from newborns to adolescents, with some of the causes overlapping between age groups. While particular causes such as vitamin K deficiency and cow's milk protein allergy are limited to specific age groups, occurring only in neonates and infants, others such as erosive esophagitis and gastritis may be identified at all ages. Furthermore, the incidence of UGIB is variable throughout the world and in different hospital settings. In North America and Europe, most UGIBs are non-variceal, associated with erosive esophagitis, gastritis, and gastric and duodenal ulcers. In recent years, the most common causes in some Middle Eastern and Far Eastern countries are becoming similar to those in Western countries. However, variceal bleeding still predominates in certain parts of the world, especially in South Asia. The most severe hemorrhage arises from variceal bleeding, peptic ulceration, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Hematemesis is a credible indicator of a UGI source of bleeding in the majority of patients. Being familiar with the most likely UGIB causes in specific ages and geographic areas is especially important for adequate orientation in clinical settings, the use of proper diagnostic tests, and rapid initiation of the therapy. The fundamental approach to the management of UGIB includes an immediate assessment of severity, detecting possible causes, and providing hemodynamic stability, followed by early endoscopy. Unusual UGIB causes must always be considered when establishing a diagnosis in the pediatric population because some of them are unique to children. Endoscopic techniques are of significant diagnostic value, and combined with medicaments, may be used for the management of acute bleeding. Finally, surgical treatment is reserved for the most severe bleeding.

Trends in Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients on Primary Prevention Aspirin: A Nationwide Emergency Department Sample Analysis, 2016-2020

BackgroundRecent guidelines do not recommend routine use of aspirin for primary cardiovascular prevention (ppASA) and suggest avoidance of ppASA in older individuals due to bleeding risk. However, ppASA is frequently taken without an appropriate indication. Estimates of the incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to ppASA in the United States are lacking. In this study, we provide national estimates of upper gastrointestinal bleeding incidence, characteristics, and costs in ppASA users from 2016-2020. MethodsPrimary cardiovascular prevention users (patients on long-term aspirin therapy without cardiovascular disease) presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding were identified in the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample using International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision codes. Trends in upper gastrointestinal bleeding incidence, etiology, severity, associated Medicare reimbursements, and the impact of ppASA on bleeding outcomes were assessed with regression models. ResultsFrom 2016-2020, adjusted incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding increased 29.2% among ppASA users, with larger increases for older patients (increase of 41.6% for age 65-74 years and 36.0% for age ≥75 years). The most common etiology among ppASA users was ulcer disease but increases in bleeding incidence due to angiodysplasias were observed. The proportion of hospitalizations with major complications or comorbidities increased 41.5%, and Medicare reimbursements increased 67.6%. Among patients without cardiovascular disease, ppASA was associated with increased odds of hospital admission, red blood cell transfusion, and endoscopic intervention as compared to no ppASA use. ConclusionsConsidering recent guideline recommendations, the rising incidence, severity, and costs associated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding among patients on ppASA highlights the importance of careful assessment for appropriate ppASA use.

Clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes of Japanese encephalitis in pediatric and adult patients: a retrospective study in Northern China.

The study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes of pediatric and adult Japanese encephalitis (JE) patients in order to find out the differences. From August 2006 to October 2019, 107 patients (62 pediatric patients and 45 adult patients) with JE were enrolled. Clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes were analyzed. The short-term outcome of each patient was defined as a good outcome or poor outcome according to their Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores (GCS > 8 vs. GCS ≤ 8) at discharge. As for acute complications, the incidence of pulmonary infection was higher in 25 adults (25/45, 55.6%) than in 19 children (19/62, 30.6%; P = 0.01). Upper gastrointestinal bleeding was more common in patients with pulmonary infection, with 10 of these patients experiencing the symptom (10/44, 22.7%) compared to only one patient without pulmonary infection (1/63, 1.6%; P = 0.001). The proportion of mechanical ventilation and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) for supportive care was higher in patients with pulmonary infection than in patients without infection (P < 0.001, P = 0.008, respectively). The GCS scores at discharge in patients with pulmonary infection (7, 4-12.75) were lower than in patients without pulmonary infection (14, 10-14; P < 0.001). Although the GCS scores at the admission of children (9.5, 7-13) were similar to that of adults (7, 6-13), the GCS scores at the discharge of adults (7, 3.5-13) were lower than that of children (13, 10.75-14; P < 0.001). The short-term outcome of JE was worse in adults. Pulmonary infection was correlated with a high incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, mechanical ventilation, and ICU hospitalization in JE. Pulmonary infection is a prognostic predictor of short-term outcomes in patients with JE. Vaccination for adults should be initiated.

Trends in characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding to emergency departments in the United States from 2006 to 2019.

Recent epidemiologic studies of trends in gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) provided results through 2014 or earlier and assessed only hospitalised patients, excluding patients presenting to emergency departments (EDs) who are not hospitalised. To provide the first U.S. nationwide epidemiological evaluation of all patients presenting to EDs with GIB METHODS: We used the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample for 2006-2019 to calculate yearly projected incidence of patients presenting to EDs with primary diagnoses of GIB, categorised by location and aetiology. Outcomes were assessed with multivariable analyses. The age/sex-adjusted incidence for GIB increased from 378.4 to 397.5/100,000 population from 2006 to 2019. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) incidence decreased from 2006 to 2014 (112.3-94.4/100,000) before increasing to 116.2/100,000 by 2019. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) incidence increased from 2006 to 2015 (146.0 to 161.0/100,000) before declining to 150.2/100,000 by 2019. The proportion of cases with one or more comorbidities increased from 27.4% to 35.9% from 2006 to 2019. Multivariable analyses comparing 2019 to 2006 showed increases in ED discharges (odds ratio [OR]=1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.43-1.48) and decreases in red blood cell (RBC) transfusions (OR=0.62; 0.61-0.63), endoscopies (OR=0.60; 0.59-0.61), death (OR=0.51; 0.48-0.54) and length of stay (relative ratio [RR]=0.81; 0.80-0.82). Inpatient cost decreased from 2012 to 2019 (RR=0.92; 0.91-0.93). The incidence of GIB in the U.S. is increasing. UGIB incidence has been increasing since 2014 while LGIB incidence has been decreasing since 2015. Despite a more comorbid population in 2019, case fatality rate, length of stay and costs have decreased. More patients are discharged from the ED and the rate of RBC transfusions has decreased, possibly reflecting changing clinical practice in response to updated guidelines.

Safety and efficacy of TIPS combined with iodine-125 seed strands in the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma combined with portal vein tumor thrombosis

Objective: To study the safety and efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) combined with iodine-125 (125Ⅰ) seed strands implantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma combined with portal vein tumor thrombosis. Methods: 25 cases with diffuse intrahepatic tumor combined with tumor thrombus type Ⅲ/Ⅳ requiring TIPS were simultaneously implanted with 125Ⅰseed strand. Tumor thrombus was controlled with 125I seed implantation brachytherapy to keep the TIPS pathway unobstructed, reduce the portal vein pressure, and observe the changes in the cause of death of the patients. During the same period, 30 cases without TIPS and seed strand implantation were used as controls. Data between groups were compared using t-test, Chi-Squared test or Fisher's exact test. Results: TIPS combined with 125Ⅰ seed strand implantation was safe in patients with diffuse hepatocellular carcinoma combined with type III/IV portal vein tumor thrombus, and 92.0% (23/25) of the patients maintained unobstructed TIPS pathway. Compared with the control group, patients in the treatment group died of fewer lead-related complications, and most died from chronic liver failure (84.0% vs. 56.7%, χ2 = 4.771, P=0.029). The incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding was significantly decreased (12.0% vs. 46.7%, χ2 =7.674, P=0.006) and ascites severity was significantly improved (mild 40.0% vs. 16.7%, moderate 52.0% vs. 20.0%, severe 8.0% vs. 46.7%, χ2 =13.246 , P=0.001). Conclusions: TIPS combined with 125Ⅰ seed strand implantation is safe and feasible in patients with diffuse intrahepatic tumor combined with tumor thrombus type Ⅲ/Ⅳ. Moreover, it can effectively keep the shunt patency and reduce portal vein pressure, thereby reducing the incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and improving the degree of ascites. TIPS combined with 125Ⅰ seed strand implantation may be used as a standard treatment modality for patients requiring TIPS therapy combined with tumor thrombus type Ⅲ/Ⅳ.

Endoscopic Findings in Patients With Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Ogun State, Nigeria.

IntroductionAlthough the global incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) appears to have reduced substantially in the past few decades, acute UGIB still carries significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are currently no published data on UGIB in Ogun State, Nigeria. This study examined the endoscopic findings in patients with UGIB in Ogun State. MethodologyThe study was a retrospective cross-sectional survey of patients with UGIB who had upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at three endoscopy centers in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria, from January 2015 to December 2021. Patients’ data, which included age, gender, and endoscopic findings, were extracted from the endoscopy registers into a spreadsheet and analyzed statistically. Summary statistics included means ± standard deviation for continuous variables and frequencies and percentages for categorical variables. Categorical variables were compared for differences by chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test as appropriate. The statistical significance cutoff was p-value <0.05.ResultsA total of 171 had endoscopy for UGIB during the period under review but 168 had complete data. Out of the 168, 113 (67.3%) were males, giving a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. The mean age of the patients was 52.4 ± 18.1 years, with an age range of 7-85 years. The modal age group was ≥60 years (75; 39.9%). The most common endoscopic finding was peptic ulcer disease (77; 45.8%), followed by esophagogastric varices (27; 16.1%), erosive mucosal disease (25; 14.9 %), portal hypertensive gastropathy (15; 8.9%), suspected malignancies (11; 6.6%), hemorrhagic gastritis (7; 4.2%), gastric antral vascular ectasia (2; 1.2%), and Mallory-Weiss tear (1; 0.6%), respectively. Forty-four patients (26.2%) had no lesion that could explain UGIB. ConclusionPeptic ulcer disease was the most common cause of UGIB among our patient population, and the elderly male patients were the most affected.

An observational study about incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, endoscopic profile of patients in tertiary care hospital

Background: Despite treatment advancement of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), overall mortality has still remained constant and the reasons behind it are still unclear. Aim: The aim is to study the endoscopic profile of patients suffering from UGIB in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: Observational study conducted among consenting patients, undergoing Esophago gastro duodenoscopy in the department of general surgery at a tertiary care hospital, between November 2018 and April 2019. Cases included were (n = 86). Standard case history pro forma was used for data collection. Interventions were given in the form of pharmacotherapy, endoscopic band ligation, and sclerotherapy. Follow-up was done after 2 months. Data were analyzed using R software version 3.6.0. Chi-square test used to find the association between variables (P < 0.05). Results: Most patients were male (n = 78) with a mean age of 48.05 ± 14.96 years. Common complaints were of melena (n = 71). History of cases included in this study; history of alcoholic liver disease (n = 35), long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) (n = 26). The common causes for GI bleeding were esophageal varices (n = 52). Significant association was observed between diagnosis and alcoholic liver disease (P = 0.004), history of long-term NSAIDS (P = 0.002), respectively. All cases were given pharmacological intervention. Higher statistically significant association found between follow-up and sclerotherapy(P = 0.0004). Association was seen between the number of interventions and follow-up (P = 0.016). Adverse event in form of bleeding was seen in 1.2% of cases. Conclusion: The most common cause of UGIB was esophageal varices. Combination of interventions could provide solution to reduce mortality in cases of UGIB.

Associations of seasonal variations and meteorological parameters with incidences of upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

Previous studies have demonstrated the seasonal variations of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), but there is scanty data on lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) and the association with other meteorological parameters. We included all patients hospitalized for UGIB and LGIB between 2009 and 2018 in Hong Kong. The monthly age-standardized and sex-standardized GIB incidences were fitted to meteorological data including average temperature (AT), maximum temperature (MaxT), minimum temperature (MinT), temperature range (TR), average precipitation, average atmospheric pressure (AtomP), and average relative humidity after adjusting for prescriptions of aspirin, proton pump inhibitors, and Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy using the autoregressive integrated moving average model. Despite a gradual decline in UGIB incidences, the incidences of UGIB were still higher in winter months. The incidence and fluctuation of both UGIB and LGIB were higher in the older age groups, especially those ≥80years. The seasonality was only identified in those ≥60years for UGIB, and only in those ≥80years for LGIB. UGIB incidence was inversely associated with AT, MaxT, and MinT, but positively associated with TR and AtomP. LGIB was also significantly associated with AT, MaxT, MinT, and AtomP. Despite the changes in GIB incidences, the seasonal patterns of GIB were still marked in the elderly. With the aging population, the impacts of seasonal variations on GIB incidences could be considerable.

Risk factors and outcomes of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with stable coronary artery disease: data from the observational registry of long-term antithrombotic therapy REGATTA-1

Aim. To optimize the upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) risk scale in patients Material and methods. The UGIB risk scale was developed based on the with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD) receiving long-term antiplatelet therapy. prospective REGistry of long-term AnTithrombotic TherApy-1 REGATTA-1(ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04347200). The registry includes 934 patients with stable CAD (men, 78,6%; median age, 61±10,7 years), 76% of whom were included after elective percutaneous coronary interventions and received dual antiplatelet therapy for 6-12 months. After a UGIB episode, patients were prescribed proton pump inhibitors. The 2015 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) scale was used for assessing the UGIB risk. In addition, we evaluated the ultrasound data on atherosclerotic burden (abdominal aorta and peripheral arteries).Results. The median follow-up was 2,5 years [1,1-14,7 years]. The incidence of UGIB was 1,9 cases per 100 patient/years. Recurrent UGIB episodes and thrombosis was recorded in 13,7% and 31,4%, respectively. Based on the results of a multivariate logistic regression, a novel scale for assessing the UGIB risk (REGATTA) has been developed. In accordance with the odds ratio, points were assigned for each independent risk factor (RF): age ≥80 years — 3 points, prior gastric erosion, peptic ulcer disease or UGIB — 3 points for each RF, anticoagulation therapy — 4 points, non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug therapy — 2 points. The atherosclerotic burden (peripheral atherosclerosis and/or abdominal aortic aneurysm; 2 points) and heart failure (in most cases after a myocardial infarction; 2 points) were marked as a new independent predictor. The cutoff value (≥4 points) was determined, reflecting the high UGIB risk (sensitivity, 80,4%; specificity, 84,5%). The REGATTA scale was more powerful than the traditional 2015 ESC scale: AUC of 0,88, (95% confidence interval, 0,86-0,9) vs AUC of 0,79, (95% confidence interval, 0,760,82) (p=0,04).Conclusion. The identified UGIB predictors (atherosclerotic burden and heart failure) and the developed REGATTA scale made it possible to improve the prognosis and prevention of UGIB in patients with stable CAD receiving long-term antiplatelet therapy.

Divergent trends of hospitalizations for upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding based on population prescriptions of aspirin, proton pump inhibitors and Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy: Trends of upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

BackgroundWith the increasing use of medications that alter the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), comprising aspirin, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and Helicobacter pylori eradication therapies, the trends of GIB are evolving.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to determine and predict the trends of GIB and to evaluate the effects of population prescriptions of these medications on GIB incidences.MethodsWe retrieved patients hospitalized for GIB in all public hospitals in Hong Kong between 2009 and 2019. Monthly age‐ and sex‐standardized GIB data were fitted and predicted, based on population prescriptions of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticoagulants, other antiplatelet drugs, PPIs, and H. pylori therapies, using autoregressive integrated moving average model for time series analysis.ResultsThe incidence of upper GIB (UGIB) showed a clear declining trend while lower GIB (LGIB) decreased slightly. Older population (>80 years) had the greatest decline in UGIB but was associated with an increase in LGIB. Prescriptions of PPIs and aspirin increased significantly with time. PPIs prescriptions were negatively associated with UGIB incidence (coefficient log(PPIs) −4.58; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −5.69, −3.47). H. pylori eradication in the previous month showed a nonsignificant trend on UGIB (coefficient −0.14; 95% CI: −0.30, 0.02). In contrast, aspirin increased the incidences of UGIB (coefficient 0.06; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.07) and LGIB (coefficient 0.04; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.05). NSAIDs, anticoagulants, and other antiplatelet drugs were not significantly associated with the trend of either UGIB or LGIB. UGIB is predicted to decline continuously but LGIB is projected to rise, particularly with increasing use of aspirin.ConclusionsUGIB incidences were decreasing and had been surpassed by LGIB. Based on population prescriptions of aspirin and PPIs, divergent trends of upper and lower GIB are expected, especially in elderly.

Establishment and Evaluation of a Time Series Model for Predicting the Seasonality of Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

ObjectiveWe aimed to establish and evaluate a time series model for predicting the seasonality of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB).MethodsPatients with acute UGIB who were admitted to the Emergency Department and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Center of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2013 to December 2019 were enrolled in the present study. The incidence trend of UGIB was analyzed by seasonal decomposition method. Then, exponential smoothing model and autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA) were used to establish the model and forecast, respectively.ResultsFinally, the exponential smoothing model with better fitting and prediction effect was selected. The smooth R2 was 0.586, and the Ljung-Box Q (18) statistic value was 22.272 (P = 0.135). The incidence of UGIB had an obvious seasonal trend, with a peak in annual January and a seasonal factor of 140%. After that, the volatility had gradually declined, with a trough in August and a seasonal factor of 67.8%. Since then, it had gradually increased.ConclusionThe prediction effect of exponential smoothing model is better, which can provide prevention and treatment strategies for UGIB, and provide objective guidance for more medical staff in Emergency Department and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Center during the peak period of UGIB.

Clinical Correlation Analysis of Complications in Elderly Patients with Sequelae of Stroke with Different Barthel Index in Tianjin Emergency Department.

Objective The Barthel index (BI) is the most commonly used measure of poststroke disability. The purpose of this article is to explore the different complications and severity of the sequelae of elderly stroke patients with different BI in the emergency department, so as to provide a theoretical basis for strengthening the treatment of elderly patients with stroke sequelae. Methods A retrospective study was adopted, and 1896 patients were divided into two groups according to the BI: 823 patients in the bedridden group (BI ≤ 40 points) and 1073 patients in the nonbedridden group (BI > 40 points). The type and number of complications and APACHE II score were compared between the two groups. Results Compared with the two groups, pneumonia, renal insufficiency, respiratory failure, and decubitus ulcer in the bedridden group had a higher incidence, but the incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and fractures in the nonbedridden group was significantly higher (P < 0.05). The APACHE II score of the patients in the bedridden group was higher than that of the nonbedridden group, and they were critical (P < 0.001). And the number of complications was higher than that in the nonbedridden group. Moreover, the BI was negatively correlated with the APACHE-II score and the number of complications, and the APACHE II score was positively correlated with the number of complications (P < 0.001). Conclusion Different complications and severity of illness occur in elderly patients with sequelae of stroke after different BI in the emergency department.

Decline incidence in upper gastrointestinal bleeding in several recent years: data of the Japan claims database of 13 million accumulated patients.

This study was to examine the recent trends in upper gastrointestinal bleeding in Japan using a large-scale real-world database. The incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding was evaluated in the Japan Medical Data Center claims database of 13,019,713 patients aged 20 to 74 years with traceability for 3 months from 2009 to 2014. The incidence was compared with peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The prescription of medications was also evaluated. The incidence of bleeding was 0.137%, 0.121%, 0.113%, 0.106%, 0.099%, and 0.105% during 2009 to 2014 with a time-dependent decline (p<0.001). Peptic ulcers (>10 times higher than the incidence of bleeding) decreased with time (p<0.001), whereas gastroesophageal reflux disease increased (p = 0.006). Upper gastrointestinal bleeding was higher in male patients and older patients (60–74 years old) (p<0.001 respectively). The prescription rate of antithrombotic medications and proton pump inhibitors increased from 2009 to 2014 (p<0.001 respectively). The incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding decreased from 2009 to 2014 in this relatively large-scale real-world database in Japan, concomitant with the decrease in peptic ulcers. The decreased incidence might have been due to changes in the disease structure and therapeutic strategies over time.

Incidence, Clinical Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients With COVID-19: Results of the UMC-19-S12.

The authors investigated the incidence, risk factors, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGB) in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), who were attending the emergency department (ED), before hospitalization. We retrospectively reviewed all COVID-19 patients diagnosed with UGB in 62 Spanish EDs (20% of Spanish EDs, case group) during the first 2 months of the COVID-19 outbreak. We formed 2 control groups: COVID-19 patients without UGB (control group A) and non-COVID-19 patients with UGB (control group B). Fifty-three independent variables and 4 outcomes were compared between cases and controls. We identified 83 UGB in 74,814 patients with COVID-19 who were attending EDs (1.11%, 95% CI=0.88-1.38). This incidence was lower compared with non-COVID-19 patients [2474/1,388,879, 1.78%, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.71-1.85; odds ratio (OR)=0.62; 95% CI=0.50-0.77]. Clinical characteristics associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 patients presenting with UGB were abdominal pain, vomiting, hematemesis, dyspnea, expectoration, melena, fever, cough, chest pain, and dysgeusia. Compared with non-COVID-19 patients with UGB, COVID-19 patients with UGB more frequently had fever, cough, expectoration, dyspnea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, interstitial lung infiltrates, and ground-glass lung opacities. They underwent fewer endoscopies in the ED (although diagnoses did not differ between cases and control group B) and less endoscopic treatment. After adjustment for age and sex, cases showed a higher in-hospital all-cause mortality than control group B (OR=2.05, 95% CI=1.09-3.86) but not control group A (OR=1.14, 95% CI=0.59-2.19) patients. The incidence of UGB in COVID-19 patients attending EDs was lower compared with non-COVID-19 patients. Digestive symptoms predominated over respiratory symptoms, and COVID-19 patients with UGB underwent fewer gastroscopies and endoscopic treatments than the general population with UGB. In-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients with UGB was increased compared with non-COVID patients with UGB, but not compared with the remaining COVID-19 patients.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in Scotland 2000-2015: trends in demographics, aetiology and outcomes.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) remains a common cause of presentation and admission to hospital in the UK, with the incidence in Scotland one of the highest in the world. To investigate the difference in demographics, deprivation quintiles, aetiology of bleeding and clinical outcomes in patients presenting with UGIB to hospitals across Scotland over a 16-year period METHODS: Data were collected using the National Data Catalogue and analysed retrospectively using the National Safe Haven. We included 129404 patients. The annual number of patients presenting with UGIB remained similar over the 16-year period. Mean age at admission increased from 59.2 to 61.4 years. There was a significant drop in variceal bleeding over time from 2.2% to 1.7% (P<0.001). The incidence of UGIB was highest in the more deprived quintiles. There was a significant decrease in 30-day case-fatality from 10.1% in 2000 to 7.9% in 2015 (P<0.001), which was observed across all deprivation quintiles. Mean length of stay fell from 3.9 to 2.1days. There was no difference in 30-day case-fatality or mean length of stay between patients presenting on weekdays or at weekends. In this national study, we demonstrated that case-fatality and mean length of stay after presentation with UGIB in Scotland has fallen over the past 16years, despite a rise the in mean age of patients. There is a positive correlation between the incidence of UGIB and deprivation. We found no evidence of worse outcomes among patients presenting at weekends.

Unique meteorological characteristics in the upper gastrointestinal bleeding by different etiologies in Beijing Area, China.

Unique meteorological characteristics in the upper gastrointestinal bleeding by different etiologies in Beijing Area, China.

Safety of variceal band ligation in patients with cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis treated with anticoagulant therapy: A retrospective study.

Anticoagulant therapy has been recommended in patients with cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis especially in candidates for liver transplantation. These patients are also likely to need variceal band ligation. This study aimed to assess the incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding after elective variceal band ligation in patients with cirrhosis receiving anticoagulant therapy for portal vein thrombosis. Patients with cirrhosis and nontumoral portal vein thrombosis treated with anticoagulant therapy undergoing elective variceal band ligation were retrospectively included. We recorded upper gastrointestinal bleeding events occurring within two weeks after variceal band ligation. Postvariceal band ligation bleeding was defined as active bleeding on at least one site of previous ligation at endoscopy. Between 2014 and 2017, 32 patients with cirrhosis had scheduled variceal band ligations while on anticoagulant therapy [men 75%; median age 59 years; aetiology of cirrhosis: alcohol (50%), viral (34%), alcohol and viral (16%); and Child-Pugh score: A (31%), B (44%), and C (25%)]. Three (9%) patients presented postvariceal band ligation bleeding during the follow-up. None of these events led to haemorrhagic shock or death. Factors associated with postvariceal band ligation bleeding included variceal band ligation performed as secondary prophylaxis (P = 0.05) and previous decompensation of cirrhosis (P = 0.03). In this small group of patients under anticoagulation therapy undergoing variceal band ligation, only a minority presented postendoscopic bleeding of minor importance. Nevertheless, particular attention should be paid to patients with previous decompensation of cirrhosis.

Impact of the stress ulcer prophylactic protocol on reducing the unnecessary administration of stress ulcer medications and gastrointestinal bleeding: a single-center, retrospective pre-post study

BackgroundClinically significant gastrointestinal bleeding from stress ulcers increases patient mortality in intensive care, and histamine type 2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors as stress ulcer prophylaxes were reported to decrease the incidence of that.Although medical checklists are widely used to maintain high compliance with medications and interventions to improve patient outcome in the intensive care field, the efficacy of medical checklists regarding the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding and the reduction of unnecessary administration of stress ulcer prophylaxis medications has not been sufficiently explored to date.This study aimed to investigate the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding and the rate of administering stress ulcer prophylaxis medication before and after setting administration criteria for stress ulcer prophylaxis and introducing a medical checklist for critically ill adults.MethodsThis was a retrospective pre-post study at a single-center, tertiary adult and pediatric mixed ICU. Adult patients (≥ 18 years) who were admitted to the ICU for reasons other than gastrectomy, esophagectomy, pancreatoduodenectomy, and gastrointestinal bleeding were analyzed. A medical checklist and stress ulcer prophylaxis criteria were introduced on December 22, 2014, and the patients were classified into the preintervention group (from September to December 21, 2014) and the postintervention group (from December 22, 2014, to April 2015). The primary outcome was the incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and the secondary outcome was the proportion administered stress ulcer prophylaxis medications.ResultsOne hundred adult patients were analyzed. The incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the pre- and postintervention groups was both 4.0% [95% confidence interval, 0.5–13.7%]. The proportion administered stress ulcer prophylaxis medications decreased from 100 to 38% between the pre- and post-intervention groups.ConclusionsAfter the checklist and the criteria were introduced, the administration of stress ulcer prophylaxis medications decreased without an increase in upper gastrointestinal bleeding in critically ill adults. Prospective studies are necessary to evaluate the causal relationship between the introduction of them and gastrointestinal adverse events in critically ill adults.

Adherence to a stress ulcer prophylaxis protocol by critically ill patients: a prospective cohort study.

ObjectiveTo evaluate adherence to the stress ulcer prophylaxis protocol in critically ill patients at a tertiary university hospital.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, we included all adult patients admitted to the medical and surgical intensive care units of an academic tertiary hospital. Our sole exclusion criterion was upper gastrointestinal bleeding at intensive care unit admission. We collected baseline variables and stress ulcer prophylaxis indications according to the institutional protocol and use of prophylaxis. Our primary outcome was adherence to the stress ulcer prophylaxis protocol. Secondary outcomes were appropriate use of stress ulcer prophylaxis, upper gastrointestinal bleeding incidence and factors associated with appropriate use of stress ulcer prophylaxis.ResultsTwo hundred thirty-four patients were enrolled from July 2nd through July 31st, 2018. Patients were 52 ± 20 years old, 125 (53%) were surgical patients, and the mean SAPS 3 was 52 ± 20. In the longitudinal follow-up, 1499 patient-days were studied; 1069 patient-days had stress ulcer prophylaxis indications, and 777 patient-days contained prophylaxis use (73% stress ulcer prophylaxis protocol adherence). Of the 430 patient-days without stress ulcer prophylaxis indications, 242 involved prophylaxis (56% inappropriate stress ulcer prophylaxis use). The overall appropriate use of stress ulcer prophylaxis was 64%. Factors associated with proper stress ulcer prophylaxis prescription were mechanical ventilation OR 2.13 (95%CI 1.64 - 2.75) and coagulopathy OR 2.77 (95%CI 1.66 - 4.60). The upper gastrointestinal bleeding incidence was 12.8%.ConclusionAdherence to the stress ulcer prophylaxis protocol was low and inappropriate use of stress ulcer prophylaxis was frequent in this cohort of critically ill patients.