Management Of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Research Articles

Haemostatic spray in the management of acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children: A single‐centre experience in Singapore

AbstractIntroduction/ObjectivesHaemostatic spray (HS; Hemospray) is a powder agent for endoscopic haemostasis in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). It has been shown to be effective and easy to administer. However, published data on efficacy and safety in children remain scarce. Our aim was to describe our experience with the use of HS in the management of UGIB.Patients and MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of patients aged 0–18 receiving HS for endoscopic haemostasis from January 2017 to December 2021. Information was obtained on demographics, clinical presentation and comorbidities. Outcomes were successful initial haemostasis and rates of re‐bleeding.ResultsA total of 25 applications of HS occurred in 23 patients. The median patient age was 8 years (range: 4 months to 16 years). HS was used in 17/25 (68%) applications as monotherapy. Other treatments employed were clip application and adrenaline injection. One hundred per cent initial haemostasis was achieved with three (13.0%) patients who experienced re‐bleeding. All patients tolerated HS applications with no adverse events.ConclusionsOur finding supports the use of HS in the management of UGIB in children. HS, either as monotherapy or in combination with other conventional therapy, could potentially be the treatment of choice in children with UGIB with its excellent feasibility and good safety profile.

Factors Related to Nurse’s Response Time in Management of Upper GI Bleeding among Chronic Liver Disease Patients

Background: In emergency care, the most important thing to note is the speed of nurses in responding or acting on the first patient who enters the emergency room. This speed is often referred to as response time. Nurse response time is always a measure of the service quality of a hospital or health center. Response times depend on the speed available as well as the quality of assistance to save lives and prevent infirmity. Objectives: Patients visiting to the hospital should be treated promptly and that leads to improvement in the quality of services and patient safety. The study aimed to determine the factors related to the response time of nurses in management of upper GI bleeding among chronic liver disease patients at Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India.Methods: Carrying out the research is from February to March 2022. Analytical survey design with a cross- sectional approach. The research subjects were 20 nurses. measuring tools, namely questionnaires. analysis used bivariate analysis used the Chi-Square Test.Results: This shows that there is a relationship between education and response time with a value of p-value =.008, knowledge and response time with a value of p-value = .003.Conclusion: The level of knowledge and clinical experience determines Nurses to make prompt decision and ability to provide assessment and nursing actions. As the Nurses getting higher education levels and experience also increasing, on average they remain engaged in their work for longer time, so they are more productive and nurses have attended more training to improve their skills.

Review article: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding - review of current evidence and implications for management.

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common emergency requiring hospital-based care. Advances in care across pre-endoscopic, endoscopic and post-endoscopic phases have led to improvements in clinical outcomes. To provide a detailed, evidence-based update on major aspects of care across pre-endoscopic, endoscopic and post-endoscopic phases. We performed a structured bibliographic database search for each topic. If a recent high-quality meta-analysis was not available, we performed a meta-analysis with random effects methods and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Pre-endoscopic management of UGIB includes risk stratification, a restrictive red blood cell transfusion policy unless the patient has cardiovascular disease, and pharmacologic therapy with erythromycin and a proton pump inhibitor. Patients with cirrhosis should be treated with prophylactic antibiotics and vasoactive medications. Tranexamic acid should not be used. Endoscopic management of UGIB depends on the aetiology. For peptic ulcer disease (PUD) with high-risk stigmata, endoscopic therapy, including over-the-scope clips (OTSCs) and TC-325 powder spray, should be performed. For variceal bleeding, treatment should be customised by severity and anatomic location. Post-endoscopic management includes early enteral feeding for all UGIB patients. For high-risk PUD, PPI should be continued for 72 h, and rebleeding should initially be evaluated with a repeat endoscopy. For variceal bleeding, high-risk patients or those with further bleeding, a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt can be considered. Management of acute UGIB should include treatment plans for pre-endoscopic, endoscopic and post-endoscopic phases of care, and customise treatment decisions based on aetiology and severity of bleeding.

Learning curve of achieving competency in emergency endoscopy in upper gastrointestinal bleeding: how much experience is necessary?

ObjectivesThe management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) has seen rapid advancements with revolutionising innovations. However, insufficient data exist on the necessary number of emergency endoscopies needed to achieve competency in...

T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma of lymphoblastic type revealed by a chronic swollen testicle managed in the urology department of Laquintinie Hospital in Douala, Cameroon

Background: Non-Hodgkin T-cell lymphomas typically develop in lymph node territories, and primary extra nodal locations are rare. The clinical presentation is nonspecific, dominated by signs of compression. Imaging aids in suspicion, and histology confirms the diagnosis. Clinical Observation: A 61-year-old patient initially hospitalized for the management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding six months ago was referred to the urology outpatient clinic due to a chronic swollen testicle persisting for a year. A non-contributory testicular ultrasound showed peri scrotal lymphedema with inguinal lymphadenopathy, right orchid epididymitis, and left epididymitis. Blood tests were normal. Despite antibiotic therapy, there was no improvement in the clinical condition. Physical examination revealed painless and mobile cervical, axillary, and inguinal lymph nodes. Pelvic MRI suspected a probable lymphoma. A lymph node biopsy in the left groin confirmed a non-Hodgkin T-cell lymphoma of lymphoblastic type infiltrating the capsule. The patient was transferred to haematology for further management. Conclusion: T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma is primarily characterized by nodal involvement. There is a diagnostic delay that is anatomopathological in nature. Management involves polychemotherapy.

The Effect of a Teaching Program on Knowledge, Practice, and Response Time of Nurses Regarding the Management of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Background: Gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the emergencies that all therapeutic measures should be performed effectively and efficiently in a short time. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of an educational program on the improvement of nurses' knowledge, performance, and response time in the care of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the Emergency Department. Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a single group pre-test and post-test design and was conducted at the Emergency Room of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), New Delhi, India. A total of 20 nurses working in the Emergency Room were recruited through enumeration. Also, 35 events before and 35 events after the intervention were observed. The educational program was implemented through face-to-face lecture-cum discussion in six 30-minute sessions and groups of 3 to 4 nurses over three days. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to measure nurses’ knowledge regarding upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and their performance and response time were observed and calculated through a checklist. The data were described and analyzed using descriptive statistics, the paired t-test, the Kruskal-Wallis H test, and the Mann-Whitney U test in SPSS software, version 20. The significance level was set at P≤0.05. Results: A noticeable improvement in the scores of knowledge and performance and a significant decrease in the nurses’ response time were observed (P<0.001). Also, there was a significant relationship between the knowledge score and the work experience of nurses in the Emergency Department (P=0.018). Conclusion: Periodic evaluation of nurses’ performance in the care and treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding emergencies through observation and checklist is recommended. In-service training courses regarding managing upper gastrointestinal bleeding seem to be necessary.

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.

Hemorragia digestiva en urgencias

Gastrointestinal bleeding is defined as blood loss of an acute nature through the gastrointestinal tract. Its main classification method is according to the location of the bleeding, differentiating between upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) and lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) according to whether its origin is proximal or distal to the ligament of Treitz, respectively. Of them, UGIB is more common; it is responsible for 80% of gastrointestinal bleeding cases. Though the initial treatment measures for both types are the same, this update will focus on management of UGIB, given that in addition to being more frequent, it entails greater morbidity and mortality and hospital load. Lastly, some specific aspects regarding management of LGIB will also be covered.

Management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal hypertension and variceal bleeding during receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitors therapy: Beyond and known frontiers

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a significant global burden, with most patients being diagnosed at an advanced stage, leading to poor prognosis due to the lack of systemic treatment. The approval of oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), immune checkpoint inhibitors, and anti‐angiogenic agents has rapidly expanded the treatment prospects for HCC. However, the use of these drugs has also increased the incidence of portal hypertension (PHT) and upper gastrointestinal variceal bleeding in HCC patients. The diagnosis, screening, emergency treatment, and secondary prevention of upper gastrointestinal variceal rebleeding in advanced HCC patients undergoing oral TKIs therapy have become clinically urgent and critical issues. This review provides an overview of the existing understanding regarding the uses and limitations of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) insertion for managing HCC in cirrhosis patients with PHT and variceal hemorrhage. Additionally, it explores the potential of TIPS in managing acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding and preventing rebleeding in advanced HCC patients undergoing TKIs therapy. The placement of TIPS within the treatment hierarchy is determined by the specific clinical environment and the individual attributes of the patient.

Utilizing Endoscopy for the Diagnosis of Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

Background Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a medical emergency requiring immediate diagnosis. While endoscopy is a commonly employed procedure in the evaluation of UGIB, its timing, outcomes, and the range of identified causes vary widely across different medical settings and regions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to use endoscopy to investigate the cause of UGIB. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Gastroenterology, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, over a period of one year, from July 1st, 2021 to June 28th, 2022. The study enrolled all patients who were 18 years of age or older and exhibited symptoms of UGIB, including hematemesis and/or melena, within 48 hours of onset. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy procedure was conducted in order to identify the underlying cause of UGIBand to apply appropriate therapeutic interventions. In patients where the endoscopic examination revealed bleeding ulcers, a specimen for biopsy was excised to test for Helicobacter pylori. Similarly, in cases where a malignancy was suspected during the endoscopy, a biopsy was performed for confirmatory diagnosis. A pre-designed proforma was utilized to collect data including the demographic variables such as age, gender, ethnicity, family history; clinical variables such as clinical presentation, comorbidities, medical history, medication use, vital signs, biochemical evaluation, and imaging results; endoscopic findings such as endoscopic location and severity of bleeding, endoscopic diagnosis, and the use of endoscopic interventions. Information relevant to the treatment and outcomes was also observed. Under outcomes, the rates of re-bleeding, need for repeat endoscopy, length of hospital stay, and mortality were recorded. Results The study reports that the mean age of the participants was 54.72 years with a standard deviation of 12.5 years. The mean hemoglobin level at the presentation was 7.98 ± 2.88 mg/dl. Out of the 309 patients, 215 (69.58%) were male, 202 (65.37%) presented with hematemesis, 97 (31.39%) presented with melena, and 10 patients had a mixed presentation. A total of 154 (49.84%) patients had portal hypertension. Out of these, 128 (83.12%) had esophageal varices and 21 (13.64%) had gastric varices. Five patients suffered from portal hypertensive gastropathy. In 114 (36.89%) patients, the cause of bleeding was ulcerative disease and out of these, duodenal ulcers were found in 49 (42.98%) while gastric ulcers were found in 22 (19.30%) patients. In total malignant lesions were detected in 20 (6.47%) cases. Conclusion The researchindicates that hematemesis was the predominant initial symptom observed in individuals experiencing UGIB. The predominant etiology of the hemorrhage was identified as esophageal and gastric varices through endoscopic assessment. The study highlights the importance of early endoscopic evaluation in patients with UGIB as it can help identify the cause and guide appropriate management. This emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to be vigilant in identifying and managing patients with UGIB promptly to improve outcomes. Further research is needed to explore effective strategies for early detection and management of UGIB.

Healthcare Disparities and Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Exploring the Linkages.

Introduction Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) refers to blood loss from a gastrointestinal (GI) sourceproximal or above the ligament of Treitz. Health equity means giving everyone an equal chance to achieve optimal health by addressing injustices, overcoming barriers, and eliminating health disparities. Healthcare providers must analyze racial and ethnic disparities in UGIB management to ensure all patients receive equal care. Identifying risk factors in specific populations leads to tailored interventions that improve outcomes. Our study aims to examine trends and identify disparities in upper gastrointestinal bleeding across races and ethnicities to promote health equity. Methods Retrospective data on upper gastrointestinal bleeding from June 2009 to June 2022 were collected and categorized into five groups based on race. The baseline characteristics of each group were matched to ensure equitable comparison. A joinpoint regression model was used to compare incidence trends, identifying potential healthcare disparities for different racial/ethnic groups over time. Patients aged 18-75 who suffered from upper gastrointestinal bleeding at Nassau University Medical Center in New York from 2010 to 2021 were selected, excluding those with incomplete baseline comorbidity information. Results This study examined 5103 cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, with 41.9% female. The cohort was diverse, with 29.4% African American, 15.6% Hispanic, 45.3% White, 6.8% Asian, and 2.9% of other races. Data were split into two groups; 49.9% occurred between 2009 and 2015and 50.1% between 2016 and 2022. Findings showed increased UGIB among Hispanics and decreased bleeding among Asians during 2016-2021 compared to 2009-2015. However, no significant difference was found for African Americans, Whites, and other races. In addition, Hispanics had a rise in the annual percentage change (APC) rate, whereas Asians had a decrease. Conclusion Our study examined trends in upper gastrointestinal bleeding and potential healthcare disparities across races and ethnicities. Our findings highlight an increased incidence of UGIBin Hispanics and a decreased incidence in Asians. Additionally, we identified a significant increase in the annual percentage change rate in Hispanics and a decrease in Asians over time. Our study underscores the importance of identifying and addressing disparities in UGIB management to promote health equity. Future research can build on these findings to develop tailored interventions that improve patient outcomes.

A Retrospective Analysis of Risk Factors for Mortality during Hemodialysis at a General Hospital that Treats Comprehensive Diseases.

Objective We analyzed adverse events retrospectively during a three-year follow-up of patients undergoing hemodialysis at the dialysis center of our general hospital that can treat comprehensive diseases and conducted an exploratory study focusing on the risk factors that determine the prognosis of hemodialysis patients. Methods A total of 132 hemodialysis patients at our dialysis center as of June 2017 were included in the study. Data on event incidence, including death and various clinical indicators, were collected in the electronic medical record for three years until June 2020. Results Between June 2017 and June 2020, 33 of the 132 patients died. The mortality group had a lower body mass index (BMI) and a longer duration of hemodialysis already carried out with more preexisting upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, infections, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and malignancy than the survival group. Furthermore, the mortality group took more warfarin, aspirin, proton pump inhibitors and less H2 blockers than the survival group. Occurrence of upper or lower GI bleeding was similar between the mortality and survival groups. In a univariate analysis for mortality, the odds ratio was significantly higher for a low BMI (<18), long duration of hemodialysis, history of upper GI bleeding, and presence of IHD. Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios for mortality were significantly higher for cases with a history of upper GI bleeding and BMI <18. Conclusion A history of upper GI bleeding and low BMI may be poor prognostic factors of hemodialysis patients. Careful management of upper GI bleeding and a low BMI are required during the initiation of hemodialysis.

Adherence to guidelines in patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) – results from a retrospective single tertiary center registry

Background Guidelines for the management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) are regularly published, yet little is known concerning adherence to recommendations in practice. Objectives We aimed to assess adherence to European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) recommendations in patients with non-variceal UGIB. Materials and methods All hospitalized patients with an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) performed due to suspected non-variceal UGIB at our department were included in a prospective registry. Data between 2018–2020 from this registry were retrospectively analyzed. Adherence to the 2015 ESGE bleeding and propofol sedation guidelines was assessed. Adherence to recommendations concerning preendoscopic (risk) evaluation, preendoscopic PPI, transfusion management, and endoscopic management of peptic ulcers was analyzed. Results Among 1005 patients (mean age 70.4 years, 42.1% women) the most common bleeding etiologies were gastric or duodenal ulcers (16.8%), esophagitis/GERD (11.1%), and angiodysplasia (9.9%); mortality was 7.6%. Adherence to preendosopic risk evaluation was low, in 0% a Mallampati classification and in 37.5% an ASA scoring was documented. Preendoscopic PPI was started at 58.6%, and adherence to recommended transfusion management was >98%. Peptic ulcers were Forrest-graded in 72.8%. High-risk ulcers were treated appropriately in 77.9% and low-risk ulcers were not treated in 73.6%. Especially Forrest Ib ulcers were undertreated, with an adherence of 59.6%. Only 22/179 (12.3%) patients with peptic ulcers and early endoscopy were consistently managed according to ESGE recommendations. Conclusions Adherence to ESGE guidelines in patients with non-variceal UGIB is moderate to low, even at a tertiary university hospital. Strategies must be devised for guidelines to reach patients in everyday practice.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in cirrhosis patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis

AbstractObjectiveEmerging evidence suggest that antibiotic prophylaxis may be omitted in early cirrhosis patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), which question the benefits of antibiotic prophylaxis on rebleeding, mortality related to ongoing bleeding, and the need for salvage therapy. As the management of UGIB has improved over time since the last review a decade ago, we performed an updated meta‐analysis to review the benefits of antibiotic prophylaxis in cirrhosis patients with UGIB.MethodSix electronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane library, and ClinicalTrial.gov were systematically searched up to December 1, 2021. The primary outcome was 6 weeks mortality. Secondary outcomes include the risk of infection, rebleeding at 7 days and 6 weeks, mortality related to ongoing bleeding, need for salvage therapy, and infection‐related mortality.ResultEighteen studies (12 randomized controlled trials [RCT], 6 non‐RCT) from 3180 subjects were identified among 2129 citations. Antibiotic prophylaxis reduces mortality at 6 weeks, risk of infection, and infection‐related mortality (pooled relative risk: 0.72, 0.39, and 0.41, respectively). Although antibiotics reduce the risk of rebleeding and the amount of blood transfusion, they did not reduce the risk of mortality from ongoing bleeding nor the need for salvage therapy. Antibiotic prophylaxis may shorten the length of stay in the intensive care unit.ConclusionAntibiotic prophylaxis reduces rebleeding, 6‐week mortality, and infection‐related mortality. Due to the low risk of infection and death, dedicated studies are warranted to evaluate the benefit of antibiotic prophylaxis in early cirrhosis with UGIB.

Implementation of new techniques in the management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Background: In recent years, many endoscopic hemostasis techniques helped to improve the prognosis of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. It includes: esophageal band ligation and Histoacryl injection in variceal upper GI bleeding; dilute adrenalin injection, hemoclipping, argon plasma coagulation and Hemospray in non-variceal upper GI bleeding. But domestic studies about these techniques’ efficacy are limited. Objectives: 1. To describe characteristics of patients and endoscopic lesions in upper GI bleeding. 2. To assess the efficacy of some endoscopic hemostasis techniques in upper GI bleeding. Subject and methods: Interventional study concluded 346 upper GI bleeding patients, 365 therapeutic upper endoscopy to get hemostasis in Gastroenterology - Endoscopy Center, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital from 11/2017 to 4/2022. Result: Mean age of patients is 55.6 ± 17.9, minimum is 9, maximum is 95. Male/female ratio is 2.5. The causes of bleeding: esophageal varices 35.5%, gastric varices 4.3%, peptic ulcer diseases 50.9%, esophago-gastric junction tear 5.5%, angiodysplasia 2.6%, and others 1.2%. Hemostatic techniques: esophageal band ligation 33.7%, Histoacryl injection 4.1%, hemoclipping 52.6%, dilute adrenalin injection 15.9%, APC 7.9%, Hemospray 0.8% and others 0.3%. Successful rate of initiating endoscopic hemostasis is high (100%), permanent hemostasis is high (99.1%); recurrent bleeding rate is low (2.3%), endoscopic hemostasis failure is low (0.9%); operation rate is low (0.9%). Conclusion: Endoscopic hemostasis techniques showed good safety and efficacy, failure and operation rate are very low. Using new techniques in case of failure of traditional techniques was beneficial and safe Key words: upper gastrointestinal bleeding, endoscopy

A case of jejunal GIST revealed by hematemesis: Unusual situation.

IntroductionGastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare tumors of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which can occur in majorly stomach, and rarely in the small intestine, rectum, and large intestine. We report a jejunal GIST presented with massive hematemesis in the current study.Case presentationA 39-years-old male, without any underlying history, was presented to our center with the complaint of massive hematemesis. Given the unstable hemodynamics of the patient, an upper GI endoscopy was requested, associated with a large amount of blood in the duodenal bulb without any sign of bleeding. The patient was sent to the operation room, and after laparotomy, a mass was seen in the jejunum, revealed as GIST after pathological study.DiscussionSmall-intestine-related etiologies are rare conditions related to upper GI bleeding (UGIB). Jejunal GIST usually manifests as asymptomatic subepithelial mass and is associated with abdominal discomfort or GI bleeding. Sudden unset bleeding is a rare manifestation of jejunal GIST, but it can be associated with the emergency outcome and may need emergency intervention.ConclusionUGIB can occur in jejunal GIST, which should be considered in the management of UGIB.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown on the Management of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in the Emergency Department: A Cohort Study

Background and study aims: During the COVID-19 pandemic, endoscopic procedures were associated with a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, in cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), priority should be given to early endoscopy. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the pandemic and the lockdown on the performance of digestive endoscopy for UGIB. Patients and methods: This is a retrospective observational cohort of 350 patients, conducted between January 2019 and December 2020, in the emergency endoscopy department of our institution. We have divided our patients into two groups, according to the period in which they were admitted (respectively pre-pandemic and pandemic periods corresponding to the year 2019 and 2020), and we have split the pandemic period into 3 subgroups according to the lockdown, each of these 3 phases was compared to its counterpart of the pre-pandemic period by adapting the same dates. Results: There was no difference in the number of admissions for UGIB before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, patients admitted during the pandemic period were significantly older. Peptic ulcer remained the main cause of UGIB in both study periods, with a significant decrease in the pandemic period. The subgroups analysis of the pandemic and pre-pandemic period showed that patients admitted during the lockdown phase were significantly older, with a significant decrease in the ulcerative origin of UGIB and an increase in the need for endoscopic haemostasis procedures, whereas during the post-lockdown period, there was furthermore an increase in the number of patients with UGIB of neoplastic origin. Conclusion: Despite the current epidemiological context, digestive endoscopy must be performed within the usual timeframe while adopting adequate precaution measures. Our study suggest that the reorganisation of our endoscopy department during the pandemic was effective in coping with routine endoscopic emergencies during this ........

Outcomes for upper gastrointestinal bleeding during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Toronto area.

Background and AimChanges to endoscopy service availability during the COVID‐19 pandemic may have affected management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). The aim of this study was to describe the impact of the pandemic on UGIB outcomes in the Toronto area in Canada.MethodsWe described all adults admitted to general medicine wards or intensive care units at six hospitals in Toronto and Mississauga, Canada, with UGIB during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic (March 1 to June 30, 2020) and compared them with a historical cohort (March 1 to June 30, 2018 and 2019). We compared clinical outcomes (in‐hospital mortality, length of stay, 30‐day readmission, intensive care utilization, receipt of endoscopy, persistent bleeding, receipt of second endoscopy, and need for angiographic or surgical intervention) using multivariable regression models, controlling for demographics, comorbidities, and severity of clinical presentation.ResultsThere were 82.5 and 215.5 admissions per month for UGIB during the COVID‐19 and control periods, respectively. There were no baseline differences between groups for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, or severity of bleeding. Patients in the COVID‐19 group did not have significantly different unadjusted (3.9% vs 4.2%, P = 0.983) or adjusted mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.25–1.48, P = 0.322). Patients in COVID‐19 group were less likely to receive endoscopy for UGIB in the unadjusted (61.8% vs 71.0%, P = 0.003) and adjusted (adjusted OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.49–0.84, P < 0.01) models. There were no differences between groups for other secondary outcomes.ConclusionsWhile patients admitted for UGIB during the first wave of the pandemic were less likely to receive endoscopy, this had no impact on mortality or any secondary outcomes.

Massive Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

This case is targeted to emergency medicine residents of all levels. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common chief complaint encountered in the emergency department, resulting in over 500,000 hospitalizations and 20,000 deaths annually in the United States.1 The diagnosis and management of UGIB in stable patients is typically fairly straightforward. However, there are a number of circumstances where the treatment of UGIB is much more challenging, and emergency medicine (EM) physicians should be familiar with, and have experience managing, these difficult presentations. Massive UGIB can necessitate the need for management of a difficult airway in the setting of airway contamination, as well as placement of a gastroesophageal balloon tamponade device. The appropriate use and indications for performing this high-risk/low-frequency procedure requires dedicated practice. Furthermore, the management of gastrointestinal hemorrhage in a patient with a religious objection to the administration of blood products, including Jehovah's Witnesses, can be especially challenging and requires knowledge of alternative therapies to support blood pressure, oxygen carrying capacity, and decrease coagulopathy.2,3. By the end of this simulation, learners will be able to: 1) manage a hypotensive patient with syncope and hematemesis, 2) pharmacologically manage an acute UGIB addressing the various causes, 3) recognize worsening clinical status and intervene by performing difficult airway management, 4) place a gastroesophageal balloon tamponade device. This simulation was conducted with a high-fidelity mannequin with a separate medium-fidelity intubating mannequin that was modified to allow rapid filling of the oropharynx with simulated blood. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a total of six EM residents in various levels of training participated in the simulated patient encounter while the rest of the learners watched the simulation and participated in the debrief via video conference. Following the simulation and debrief session, all the residents, including those who participated in-person and via video conference, were sent a survey via surveymonkey.com to assess the educational quality of the simulation. Overall residents expressed positive feedback on the scenario, noting that the case was realistic, appropriately complex, and improved their medical knowledge and procedural skills. This case has a mixture of high-fidelity and medium-fidelity components which can be easily reproduced. The case was extremely useful in teaching EM residents of all levels not only how to manage large volume UGIB in a patient who is also a Jehovah's Witness, but also how to manage the airway and place a gastroesophageal balloon tamponade device. The case starts with a patient presenting with syncope and as the case unfolds, the patient's clinical status deteriorates, requiring learners to resuscitate, intubate, and obtain a gastroesophageal balloon tamponade.Residents commented that managing this case of an UGIB was extremely challenging because it exposed and filled important gaps in both their knowledge and procedural skills. Residents struggled most with identifying alternative therapies to blood products in patients with religious objections, and the step-by-step process of placing a Blakemore tube. Upper gastrointestinal bleed, hemorrhagic shock, Jehovah's Witness, difficult airway.

European guidelines on the management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding: where are emergency physicians?

aSorbonne Université, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Service d’Accueil des Urgences bSorbonne Université, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Service d’Accueil des Urgences, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, UMR-S 1136, Paris, France Received 25 November 2021 Accepted 28 November 2021 Correspondence to Youri Yordanov, PhD, Hôpital Saint Antoine, 34 rue Crozatier, 75012 Paris, FranceE-mail: [email protected]