Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding In Patients Research Articles

Tranexamic Acid in the Management of Non-variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Background: Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common case of emergency in daily clinical practice with a fairly high mortality rate. The use of tranexamic acid, which has been recommended in managing trauma bleeding, may serve as an alternative pharmacological therapy to manage bleeding in non-variceal UGIB. This evidence-based case report aims to evaluate the impact of tranexamic acid on managing bleeding, risk of mortality, and thromboembolic event in non-variceal UGIB patients.Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on 4 databases: CDSR, EMBASE, PubMed, and Scopus for meta-analyses. Studies were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria formulated a-priori with subsequent critical appraisal according to the OCEBM critical appraisal tools. Result: Meta analyses by Kamal, et al (2020) and Twum-Barimah, et al (2020) were included in our report. Kamal, et al shows no significant difference in mortality in tranexamic acid use compared to placebo (RR 0.84; 95%CI 0.63–1.11; I2=2%). Similarly, although Twum-Barimah reported tranexamic acid reduced risk of mortality compared to placebo (RR 0.45; 95%CI 0.23–0.88; p=0.02; I2 = 0%), none of the RCTs included shows significant result when observed individually. In addition, Kamal, et al also reported increased risk of vein thromboembolic events in high-dose tranexamic acid administration (RR 2.21; 95%CI 1.32–3.69; I2=0%) compared to low-dose administration, in UGIB patients.Conclusion: Tranexamic acid is not recommended to be used in managing bleeding in patients non-variceal UGIB patients and may increase the risk of thromboembolic event.

Risk Factors and Prognosis Analysis of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients With Acute Severe Cerebral Stroke.

We aim to explore the relationship between the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). We develop a nomogram model to predict mortality in critically ill stroke patients. This is a retrospective study based on the MIMIC IV database. We extracted clinical information including demographic data, comorbidities, and laboratory indicators. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess and identify risk factors for the occurrence of UGIB and for the in-hospital mortality of critically ill stroke patients. The resulting model was used to construct a nomogram for predicting in-hospital mortality. Five thousand seven hundred sixteen patients from the MIMIC-IV database were included in our analysis. UGIB occurred in 109 patients (1.9%), whereas the PPI use rate was as high as 60.6%. Chronic liver disease, sepsis, shock, anemia, and increased level of urea nitrogen were independent risk factors for the occurrence of UGIB in severe stroke patients. We identified age, heart failure, shock, coagulopathy, mechanical ventilation, continuous renal replacement therapy, antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulation, simplified acute physiology score-II, and Glasgow coma score as independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in severe stroke patients. The C-index for the final nomograms was 0.852 (95% confidence interval: 0.840, 0.864). We found that the overall rate of UGIB in severe stroke patients is low, whereas the rate of PPI usage is high. In our study, PPI was not identified as a risk factor for the occurrence of UGIB and UGIB was not associated with all-cause mortality. More clinical trials are needed to evaluate the benefits of using PPI in critically ill stroke patients.

Reply: Tranexamic acid in upper gastrointestinal bleed in patients with cirrhosis - A randomized controlled trial.

Reply: Tranexamic acid in upper gastrointestinal bleed in patients with cirrhosis - A randomized controlled trial.

Letter to Editor: Tranexamic acid in upper gastrointestinal bleed in patients with cirrhosis - a randomized controlled trial.

Letter to Editor: Tranexamic acid in upper gastrointestinal bleed in patients with cirrhosis - a randomized controlled trial.

Efficacy and safety of proton pump inhibitors on cardiovascular events and inflammatory factors in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding undergoing dual antiplatelet therapy.

This work evaluated the effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on cardiovascular events (CVEs) and inflammatory factors in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) undergoing dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention. Clinical data from these patients were analysis, intending to provide relevant theoretical evidence for clinical practice. Data of 166 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention and developed UGIB while on DAPT at The First People' Hospital of Linping District from April 2021 to April 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were rolled into two groups: those who received PPI treatment and those who did not, namely, PPI and non-PPI group, respectively. Furthermore, occurrence of CVEs and the levels of inflammatory factors of patients in all groups were statistically analyzed. In patients with UGIB, melena is a common presentation. The incidence of CVE in the PPI group showed no statistically significant difference compared to the control group, and there was no significant variance observed in the distribution of CVE incidence among different PPIs. However, levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were significantly lower in the PPI group compared to the non-PPI group (P < 0.05). Melena was the most frequent clinical manifestation in UGIB patients. The use of PPIs did not increase the risk of CVEs, and different PPI drugs did not affect the occurrence of CVEs. Furthermore, PPIs lowered CRP and TNF-α levels in serum of these patients.

The Use of Pre-Endoscopic Metoclopramide Does Not Prevent the Need for Repeat Endoscopy: A U.S. Based Retrospective Cohort Study.

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) can cause upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), often needing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Second-look endoscopies verify resolution, but cost concerns prompt research on metoclopramide's efficacy compared to erythromycin. We analyzed the Diamond Network of TriNetX Research database, dividing UGIB patients with PUD undergoing EGD into three groups: metoclopramide, erythromycin, and no medication. Using 1:1 propensity score matching, we compared repeat EGD, post-EGD transfusion, and mortality within one month in two study arms. Out of 97,040 patients, 11.5% received metoclopramide, 3.9% received erythromycin, and 84.6% received no medication. Comparing metoclopramide to no medication showed no significant difference in repeat EGD (10.1% vs. 9.7%, p = 0.34), transfusion (0.78% vs. 0.86%, p = 0.5), or mortality (1.08% vs. 1.08%, p = 0.95). However, metoclopramide had a higher repeat EGD rate compared to erythromycin (9.4% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.003), with no significant difference in transfusion or mortality. The need to repeat EGD was not decreased with pre-EGD use of metoclopramide. If a prokinetic agent is to be used prior to EGD, erythromycin shows superior reduction in the need of repeat EGD as compared to metoclopramide.

Which scale is best to assess the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with stable coronary artery disease in the Russian population?

Which scale is best to assess the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with stable coronary artery disease in the Russian population?

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.

Tranexamic acid in upper gastrointestinal bleed in patients with cirrhosis: A randomized controlled trial.

Patients with Child-Turcotte-Pugh class B and C cirrhosis with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) have systemic as well as localized (in the mucosa of the esophagus and stomach) fibrinolysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in the treatment of acute UGIB in patients with cirrhosis. A total of 600 patients with advanced liver cirrhosis (Child-Turcotte-Pugh class B or C) presenting with UGIB were randomly allocated to either the tranexamic acid (n=300) or the placebo group (n=300). The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients developing 5-day treatment failure. Failure to control bleeding by day 5 was seen in 19/300 (6.3%) patients in the tranexamic acid group and 40/300 (13.3%) patients in the placebo group ( p =0.006). Esophageal endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) site as a source of failure to control bleeding by day 5 among patients undergoing first-time esophageal EVL (excluding patients with a previous post-EVL ulcer as a source of bleed) was seen in 11/222 (4.9%) patients in the tranexamic acid group and 27/225 (1212.0%) patients in the placebo group ( p =0.005). However, 5-day and 6-week mortality was similar in the tranexamic acid and placebo groups. Tranexamic acid significantly reduces the failure to control bleeding by day 5 and failure to prevent rebleeding after day 5 to 6 weeks in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis (Child-Turcotte-Pugh class B or C) presenting with UGIB, by preventing bleeding from the EVL site.

Low Frequency of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Despite Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Corticosteroids in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease. It has been identified that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids can be essential risk factors for developing complications such as upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). This study aimed to describe the safety profile of drugs used to treat RA focused in UGIB. A cross-sectional study of patients with RA between 2015 and 2021, a description of the population, and an evaluation of the relationship with UGIB through bivariate analysis and logistic regression. Of 405 individuals, 16 presented UGIB (93.8% women, mean age was 65±13.6 years). No statistically significant differences were found regarding UGIB and medication use, except for the mean dose of corticosteroids. In the multivariate analysis, it was found that the presence of anemia in the last three months had an adjusted OR (ORA) of 16.1 (95% CI 2.74- 24.23) and higher HAQ values during the previous three months had an ORA of 6.17 (95% CI 1.79- 21.24). This study found a low frequency of UGIB in patients with RA. More significant disability and anemia in the previous months were independently associated with UGIB. The low frequency of NSAID use in this population is noteworthy. In general, reasonable medication use related to this complication is recommended.

Causes and outcomes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in referral hospitals in Rwanda: a prospective study

INTRODUCTION: Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common emergency that results in significant morbidity and mortality. In Rwanda, data on causes and outcomes are lacking. The aim of this study was to identify the causes and outcomes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients referred to tertiary referral centers.&#x0D; METHODS: This is an observational prospective study for which we enrolled all patients who presented with presumed upper gastrointestinal bleeding and underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. We studied causes and outcomes during 3 months of follow-up after initial presentation from February 2019 to September 2019.&#x0D; RESULTS: We enrolled 194 participants. The mean age was 49.6 ± 17.66 years. The common causes of upper GI bleeding were peptic ulcer disease in 82 (43.3%) patients, esophageal varices 32 (16.5%), gastric malignancies 22 (11.3%), and gastritis 21 (10.8%). The upper GI endoscopy was reported to be normal in only 20 cases (10.3%). The mortality and rebleeding rates after 3 months were 37 (19.07%) and 70 (36%) respectively. The esophageal varices were associated with increased rebleeding (OR: 10.791, P value &lt;0.001), while gastric cancer was associated with increased mortality (OR: 4.405, P value 0.008).&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a considerable problem in Rwandan teaching hospitals. Our findings are in agreement with the reported causes of upper GI bleeding worldwide. From this study, we consider that variceal hemorrhage and peptic ulcer may have the potential to be better managed.

Do Proton Pump Inhibitors Reduce Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Older Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Treated with Oral Anticoagulants? A Nationwide Cohort Study in France.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are largely used in older adults and data are needed in off-label indications, such as the prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in patients receiving oral anticoagulants (OACs). This study aimed to assess whether PPIs reduce the risk of UGIB in patients initiating oral anticoagulation. We conducted a longitudinal study based on the French national health database. The study population included 109,693 patients aged 75-110 years with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation who initiated OACs [vitamin K antagonist (VKA) or direct OAC(DOAC)] between 2012 and 2016. We used multivariable Cox models weighted by inverse of probability of treatment to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of UGIB between PPI users and nonusers over a 6- and 12-month follow-up. PPI users represented 23% of the study population (28% among VKA initiators and 17% among DOAC initiators). The mean age (83 ± 5.3 years) and proportion of women (near 60%) were similar between groups. The risk of UGIB in the first 6 months after initiation of OAC decreased by 20% in PPI users compared with PPI nonusers [aHR6 months = 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65-0.98], but was not significantly modified when the follow-up was extended to 12 months (aHR12 months = 0.90, 95% CI 0.76-1.07), with a stronger effect among patients treated with vitamin K antagonists (aHR6 months = 0.73, 95% CI 0.58-0.93; aHR12 months = 0.81, 95% CI 0.67-0.99). This study suggests that PPIs were associated with reduced risk of gastrointestinal bleeding after initiation of oral anticoagulation in older patients with atrial fibrillation, particularly within 6 months after initiation of an antivitamin K antagonist.

Acute Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients Using Anticoagulants: Does the Timing of Endoscopy Affect Outcomes?

In patients with acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB), early (≤ 24h) endoscopy is recommended following hemodynamic resuscitation. Nevertheless, scarce data exist on the optimal timing of endoscopy in patients with NVUGIB receiving anticoagulants. To analyze how the timing of endoscopy may influence outcomes in anticoagulants users admitted with NVUGIB. Retrospective cohort study which consecutively included all adult patients using anticoagulants presenting with NVUGIB between January 2011 and June 2020. Time from presentation to endoscopy was assessed and defined as early (≤ 24h) and delayed (> 24h). The outcomes considered were endoscopic or surgical treatment, length of hospital stay, intermediate/intensive care unit admission, recurrent bleeding, and 30-day mortality. From 636 patients presenting with NVUGIB, 138 (21.7%) were taking anticoagulants. Vitamin K antagonists were the most frequent anticoagulants used (63.8%, n = 88). After adjusting for confounders, patients who underwent early endoscopy (59.4%, n = 82) received endoscopic therapy more frequently (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.1-5.4; P = 0.034), had shorter length of hospital stay [7 (IQR 6) vs 9 (IQR 7) days, P = 0.042] and higher rate of intermediate/intensive care unit admission (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.3 - 5.9; P = 0.010) than patients having delayed endoscopy. Surgical treatment, recurrent bleeding, and 30-day mortality did not differ significantly between groups. Early endoscopy (≤ 24h) in anticoagulant users admitted with acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding is associated with higher rate of endoscopic treatment, shorter hospital stay, and higher intermediate/intensive care unit admission. The timing of endoscopy did not influence the need for surgical intervention, recurrent bleeding, and 30-day mortality.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) Extension for Transhepatic Mesocaval Shunt Creation: A Case Series for Treating Refractory Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients with Chronic Portal Vein Thrombosis.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is known to benefit patients with decompensated liver disease by alleviating portal pressure. However, TIPS creation is technically difficult and challenging to perform in patients with chronic portal vein thrombosis (PVT) (4,5). Multiple endovascular techniques for portal vein recanalization with or without creating portosystemic shunt are available to decompress and alleviate portal hypertension in patients with PVT. In this case series, we represent TIPS extension to create an endovascular mesocaval shunt for the treatment of refractory upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients admitted to Erbil hospitals

Background and objectives: This study aimed to Find the causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in Erbil hospitals and to study these causes for the purpose of reducing their mortality. Methods: One hundred cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding have been collected. All the cases have been admitted to Erbil hospitals from March 2019 to March 2021. Demographic data, blood investigation, ultrasound, and endoscopy with rapid urease test for Helicobacter pylori infection have been done for all patients to find the cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Data analysis has been done by using a statistical package for Social Sciences -22. Results: A total number of fifty seven males and fourty three females, with upper gastrointestinal bleeding were included, eighty of them had positive rapid urease test by endoscopy, seventy five patients had duodenal ulcer, six cases had gastroesophageal varices, tumors found in five patients after histopathological investigation of the endoscopic biopsies, gastric erosions found in twelve patients. Ninty five of patients had first time bleeding, low hemoglobin found in fifty nine patients, that thiry of them presented in shock state, from these patients twenty two cases received more than five units of blood. Conclusion: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding mainly has been the cause duodenal ulcer bleeding which itself has been caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori. Secondly, drugs, which had been used, have been regarded as the main causes of bleeding.

Risk analysis of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Objective: Of all spontaneous bleeding complications in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is the most common and of specific interest, because it can be prevented by several prophylactic measures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in-hospital incidence, associated outcomes, and predictors of UGIB after STEMI. Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed the records of 2 791 patients with acute STEMI admitted to Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University between January 2018 and January 2022. The patients were divided into the UGIB group (n=61) and non-UGIB group (n=2 730) according to the presence or absence of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, respectively. Baseline clinical conditions, coronary lesions, in-hospital deaths, and in-hospital adverse events were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was also performed for risk factors that could lead to UGIB. Results: The in-hospital incidence of UGIB after STEMI was 2.2% (61/2 791). Hospital stay was significantly longer in the UGIB group [8(6, 12) days vs. 5 (4, 7) days, Z=3.28, P<0.001] and in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in the UGIB group than in the non-UGIB group (9.8% vs. 0.8%, χ2=0.63, P=0.001). Patients with UGIB were significantly older than those without UGIB (63±11 years vs. 58±11 years, t=-3.75, P<0.001). The serum creatinine level of UGIB patients was significantly higher than that of non-UGIB patients [(80(62, 98) mmol/L vs. 73(64, 84) mmol/L, Z=1.68, P=0.007], the red blood cell count of UGIB patients was significantly lower than that of non-UGIB patients [4.1(3.8, 4.6)×1012/L vs. 4.6(4.2, 4.9)×1012/L, Z=2.61,P<0.001], and the hemoglobin concentration of UGIB patients was significantly lower than that of non-UGIB patients [129(109, 141) g/L vs. 141(130, 152) g/L, Z=2.52,P<0.001]. Brain natriuretic peptide levels were significantly higher in UGIB patients than in non-UGIB patients [331(165, 644) ng/L vs. 181(89, 333) ng/L, Z=2.42,P<0.001]. Logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR=1.045, 95%CI 1.009-1.082, P=0.013); hemoglobin (OR=1.594, 95%CI 1.150-2.210, P=0.005); hematocrit (OR=0.181, 95%CI 0.060-0.546, P=0.002); and mean hemoglobin concentration (OR=0.845, 95%CI 0.752-0.951, P=0.005) were independent risk factors for UGIB in patients with STEMI. Logistic regression analysis of risk factors for in-hospital death revealed that concurrent UGIB was an independent risk factor for in-hospital death in patients with STEMI (OR=2.954, 95%CI 0.635-13.751, P=0.024). Conclusions: The incidence of in-hospital UGIB in STEMI patients was 2.2%, and the in-hospital mortality rate of STEMI complicated with UGIB increased to 9.8%. Concurrent UGIB was an independent risk factor for in-hospital death in patients with STEMI. The most important predictors of in-hospital UGIB in patients with STEMI were age, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and mean hemoglobin concentration.

The Prevalence, Characteristics, and Relationship of Risk Factors in Upper GI Tract Bleeding Patients Undergoing Endoscopy in Dr. Doris Sylvanis General Regional Hospital in 2019–2020

Background: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding occurs in the lumen from the proximal section of the Treitz ligament. Furthermore, it is divided into variceal and non-variceal bleeding based on the etiology. The risk factors include age, smoking, alcohol, portal hypertension, hepatitis, and medications. Upper GI bleeding manifests as hematemesis and melena. This study aims to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and relationship of risk factors with upper GI bleeding in patients undergoing endoscopy in Dr. Doris Sylvanus General Regional Hospital Palangka Raya in 2019–2020.Method: An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design is conducted using the patient’s medical record data.Results: The results showed that there were 72 patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, including 44 males and 28 females, accounting for 61.11% and 38.89%, respectively. About 47 patients had the highest age group, making up 65.28%, and the peptic ulcer was the most common etiology, occurring in 43 patients (59.72%). Also, the highest clinical manifestations and risk factors were melena in 47 patients (65.28%) and smoking in 32 patients (44.4%). The results of the bivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between upper GI bleeding and risk factors for certain drugs, portal hypertension, and hepatitis with a p-value of 0.013, 0.000, and 0.002.Conclusion: In this study, upper GI bleeding was the most common is a non-variceal bleeding, in men, age group under 60 years, with clinical manifestations of melena and there was a significant relationship between UGIB with certain drugs, portal hypertension, and hepatitis.

Assessing the Predictive Factors for Bleeding in Esophageal Variceal Disease: A Systematic Review.

Esophageal varices, dilated submucosal distal esophageal veins, are a common source of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with portal hypertension. This review aims to comprehensively assess predictive factors for both the first occurrence and subsequent risk of esophageal variceal bleeding. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online) and Cochrane databases. A total of 33 studies were selected using rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Several predictive factors were identified for esophageal variceal bleeding, including the Child-Pugh score, Fibrosis Index, specific endoscopic findings, ultrasound parameters, portal vein diameter, presence and size of collaterals, CT scan findings, ascites, platelet counts, coagulation parameters, albumin levels, Von Willebrand Factor, bilirubin levels, diabetes mellitus, and the use of b-blocking agents in primary prophylaxis. The findings of this systematic review shed light on multiple potential predictive factors for esophageal variceal bleeding. Endoscopic findings were found to be reliable predictors. Additionally, ultrasound parameters showed associations with bleeding risk. This systematic review identifies multiple potential predictive factors for esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with portal hypertension. While certain factors exhibit strong predictive capabilities, further research is needed to refine and validate these findings, considering potential limitations and biases. This study serves as a critical resource for bridging knowledge gaps in this field.

Evaluation of the impact of hemotransfusion on hospitalization length and complications in patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Background: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGB) is a common emergency associated with high morbidity and mortality. It can be caused by various factors, including peptic ulcers and vascular lesions. The decision to perform blood transfusion in stable UGB patients is still controversial, with more restrictive strategies showing better outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study reviewed 1433 medical records of non-variceal UGB patients in a Brazilian tertiary care setting. Patients were divided into groups based on whether they received blood transfusion or not. Patient characteristics, laboratory values, procedures, and outcomes were analyzed. Logistic and linear regression models were used to assess the association of blood transfusion with complications and hospital stay. Results: Blood transfusion was associated with increased hospitalization length (p&lt;0.001), higher rebleeding rates (p&lt;0.001), and greater clinical severity. However, no association with worse renal outcomes was observed (p=0.203). Adjusting for clinical severity (Glasgow-Blatchford score) reduced the significance of the association with hospitalization length. Conclusion: Blood transfusion in stable UGB patients may serve as a marker of severity, associated with longer hospital stay and increased rebleeding rates. It does not appear to have a direct causal relationship with worse renal outcomes. The study suggests that clinical severity may play a pivotal role in outcomes, as indicated by the association with Glasgow-Blatchford score.

Evaluating physicians' awareness and prescribing trends regarding proton pump inhibitors: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used to treat acid-related disorders. Their appropriate use depends on the correct indications from the clinician. Owing to the high incidence of use and misuse, PPIs have been identified as an essential pharmacological class for developing deprescribing recommendations. Therefore, assessing physicians' knowledge and practice regarding PPI usage is critical for paving the way toward targeted recommendations and efforts. Objective: This study aimed to assess Syrian physicians' perceptions of proton pump inhibitors adverse effects, their benefit in upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) prophylaxis, and how these perceptions are related to PPI prescription practice. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using a web-based questionnaire distributed among Syrian physicians in internal medicine between 28 November and 23 December 2022. The questionnaire assessed perceptions and experiences of PPIs, concerns about specific adverse effects, and their effectiveness for UGIB prophylaxis, in addition to the different scenarios used to determine the best practice for appropriate treatment to manage minimal, mild, moderate, and high-risk UGIB patients. Results: A total of 473 participants completed the questionnaire, with median age ±SD was (28.46 ± 4.58), and most participants (83.3%) were residents. Approximately half of the participants (45.5%) agreed that discussion assistance was provided to continue or terminate PPIs properly. Only 8.9% were very familiar with published evidence of PPI adverse effects. Bone weakening and vitamin B12 deficiency were the most frequently reported side effects (81.8% and 79.7%, respectively). However, dementia (0.4%) and mortality (1.9%) were the least reported adverse effects. More than half of the participants (64%) perceived using PPIs to prevent upper GI bleeding. Non-trainee physicians were less knowledgeable about appropriate GERD management than resident physicians (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study showed a gap between Syrian physicians' perceptions and practices regarding PPI use, which necessitates spreading awareness of updated guidelines for PPI usage and their side effects.