Gastric Bleeding Research Articles

The effect of tranexamic acid on blood transfusion in lower gastrointestinal bleeding-A double blind prospective randomised controlled trial.

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding is a common emergency. Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces clot breakdown by inhibiting the action of plasmin and has been shown to reduce the need for blood transfusion in trauma, surgical procedures, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. This study examined the efficiency of intravenous TXA in patients with acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Eighty-one patients aged >18years with lower GI hemorrhage, presenting as active rectal bleeding and anemia (hemoglobin lower than 11g/dL or a decrease of 2 gr/dl from the patient's base level), were enrolled in this single center, double blind prospective research. Patients were randomly assigned to receive intravenous TXA or placebo from admission until colonoscopy took place. The need for transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBC) and number of units was recorded and compared between the two groups. Eighty-one patients were randomized in this study, thirty-nine in the TXA arm, and forty-two in the placebo arm. Patient characteristics did not differ between the groups. Forty-three out of the 81 patients received blood transfusion; twenty-two were on the placebo arm and twenty-one on the TXA arm (p=0.89). Twenty-nine patients required 2 or more units, 14 in the TXA arm and 15 in the placebo arm (p=0.98). Intravenous TXA has no significant effect on blood requirement in patients with lower GI bleeding. There was no difference in the consumption of PRBC units among the patients in the placebo and TXA groups. It seems that tranexamic acid has no significant effect on transfusion of PRBC units in lower GI bleeding.

Clinical Analysis of Sinistral Portal Hypertension.

Sinistral portal hypertension (SPH) is the only type of portal hypertension that is entirely curable. However, it can easily cause varicose veins in the esophagus and/or stomach, as well as upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and treatments of sinistral portal hypertension. All patients with pancreatic disease were included in this retrospective cohort study at the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University (Luzhou, China) from September 2019 to September 2021. The required information including the patient's demographics, serum laboratory indicators, imaging and endoscopy examinations, and clinical features were gathered and evaluated. The results were expressed as numbers and percentages. Out of the 830 patients with pancreatic diseases, 61 (7.3%) developed SPH. The most common cause of SPH was acute pancreatitis (80.3%), followed by chronic pancreatitis (11.5%). The splenic vein was the most frequently affected vein in patients (45/61, 73.8%). The findings of the contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) indicated that 51 cases (83.6%) had gastric fundal-body varices, and three cases had combined gastric and esophageal varices. In the perigastric collateral channel formation, gastroepiploic varices (43/61, 70.5%) most frequently occurred in patients with SPH. Splenomegaly was a prevalent manifestation in SPH patients (45.9%). Five cases had gastrointestinal variceal hemorrhage. SPH was associated with the patency of the splenic vein and the formation of distinctive perigastric collateral veins. Surgery and/or endoscopic treatment were recommended, particularly for patients who have experienced a significant amount of gastrointestinal bleeding and have failed conservative treatment.

Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Findings and Their Clinical Correlates in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis in Northern Ghana.

Background and study aim Liver cirrhosis causes portal hypertension that leads to dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, which may result in complications including upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding. This study sought to determine the prevalence and the clinical correlates of these UGI abnormalities in patients with liver cirrhosis receiving care at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. Patients and methods One hundred and forty-five participants with liver cirrhosis were consecutively sampled and clinically evaluated for symptoms and signs of liver cirrhosis and then underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Results The mean age of the respondents was 46.50 ± 12.14 years, with the majority being males (106, 73.10%) and in Child-Pugh class C (111, 76.55%). Fatigue (128, 88.28%) and ascites (127, 87.59%) were the most common symptoms and signs, respectively. Fatigue, itch, and ascites were significantly correlated with the severity of liver cirrhosis, with an adjusted odd ratio (AOR) (confidence interval (CI)) of 3.56 (1.11-11.47), p-value of 0.03, 4.35 (1.34-14.18), p-value of 0.02 and 22.50 (4.88-103.77), p-value < 0.01, respectively. Esophageal varices were the most common UGI endoscopic findings, occurring in 102 (70.34%) patients, and correlated with the severity of liver cirrhosis, AOR (CI) of 5.19 (1.70-15.87), p-value of 0.01. Other common findings included gastritis in 71 (48.97%), portal hypertensive gastropathy in 67 (46.2%), duodenitis in 49 (33.79%), and peptic ulcer in 46 (31.72%). Conclusions Fatigue, ascites, and esophageal varices were the most common symptoms, signs, and EGD findings, respectively. Fatigue, itch, ascites, esophageal varices, duodenitis, and gastric antral vascular ectasia correlate with the severity of liver cirrhosis.

Inadvertent iatrogenic splenic vein occlusion resulting in sinistral portal hypertension and massive gastric variceal hemorrhage

Inadvertent iatrogenic splenic vein occlusion resulting in sinistral portal hypertension and massive gastric variceal hemorrhage

Increased Mortality in a Nationwide Study of Gastrointestinal Hospitalizations in the United States During the 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic.

Background The impact of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on patients with acute gastrointestinal (GI) presentations including acute pancreatitis, diverticulitis, and GI bleeding, requiring hospitalization, has not been fully characterized at the population level in the United States. Aims We used the National Inpatient Sample to describe inpatient gastroenterology outcomes in the United States during the first year of the pandemic (2020), using 2018 and 2019 as comparator years. Methods Using the National Inpatient Sample, we explored year-to-year and month-to-month trends in hospitalizations, length of stay, and inpatient mortality for GI presentations, including luminal, biliary, infectious, inflammatory, and pancreatic diseases, with regression modeling. Relative change was used to compare time periods. Results We observed significantly lower rates of hospitalization for most acute GI conditions in 2020 relative to 2019. Despite this, we noted an increase in all-cause mortality (0.9% in 2019 and 1.1% in 2020, p<0.001) and hospital costs for patients hospitalized with acute presentations of GI-related conditions in 2020 relative to 2019. Importantly, we also observed increased mortality among COVID-19-positive patients who were hospitalized foracute pancreatitis (OR 2.56; 95% CI 1.37-6.53), variceal upper GI bleeding (OR 2.88; 95% CI 1.29-3.84), ulcerative colitis (OR 4.50; 95% CI 1.14-7.74), and acute cholangitis (OR 2.43; 95% CI 1.14-4.93). In 2020, the lowest number of admissions for all conditions occurred in April, coinciding with lockdowns ordered by most state governments. Conclusions Acute GI-related hospitalizations, in general, decreased in 2020but this was associated with higher hospital costs and all-cause mortality increased compared with the pre-pandemic period.

A clinical-radiomics nomogram for the prediction of the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

To develop a model that integrates radiomics features and clinical factors to predict upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. 104 decompensated cirrhosis patients with UGIB and 104 decompensated cirrhosis patients without UGIB were randomized according to a 7:3 ratio into a training cohort (n = 145) and a validation cohort (n = 63). Radiomics features of the abdominal skeletal muscle area (SMA) were extracted from the cross-sectional image at the largest level of the third lumbar vertebrae (L3) on the abdominal unenhanced multi-detector computer tomography (MDCT) images. Clinical-radiomics nomogram were constructed by combining a radiomics signature (Rad score) with clinical independent risk factors associated with UGIB. Nomogram performance was evaluated in calibration, discrimination, and clinical utility. The radiomics signature was built using 11 features. Plasma prothrombin time (PT), sarcopenia, and Rad score were independent predictors of the risk of UGIB in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. The clinical-radiomics nomogram performed well in both the training cohort (AUC, 0.902; 95% CI, 0.850-0.954) and the validation cohort (AUC, 0.858; 95% CI, 0.762-0.953) compared with the clinical factor model and the radiomics model and displayed excellent calibration in the training cohort. Decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated that the predictive efficacy of the clinical-radiomics nomogram model was superior to that of the clinical and radiomics model. Clinical-radiomics nomogram that combines clinical factors and radiomics features has demonstrated favorable predictive effects in predicting the occurrence of UGIB in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. This helps in early diagnosis and treatment of the disease, warranting further exploration and research.

Role of Endoscopy in Managing Complications Associated with Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Concise Review of Literature

AbstractPancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a complex surgery for the management of periampullary tumors. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality of 20% and 3 to 5% respectively. While early complications like delayed gastric emptying, hemorrhage, and collections are common, late complications like biliary and pancreatic anastomotic stenosis are also known to occur. With the increase in cases of pancreatic and periampullary cancers, there is an upward trend seen even in the rates of surgery. Endoscopy has emerged over the years as a tool for both evaluation and management of various complications. In this narrative review, we aim to provide a primer for gastroenterologists who are likely to be called upon for endoscopic management of post-PD complications.

Alcoholic Liver Disease in China: A Disease Influenced by Complex Social Factors That Should Not Be Neglected.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) encompasses liver damage caused by chronic, excessive alcohol consumption. It manifests initially as marked hepatocellular steatosis and can progress to steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis. With China's rapid economic growth, coupled with a complex social background and the influence of a deleterious wine culture, the number of patients with ALD in China has increased significantly; the disease has become a social and health problem that cannot be ignored. In this review, we briefly described the social factors affecting ALD in China and elaborated on differences between alcoholic and other liver diseases in terms of complications (e.g., cirrhosis, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatocellular carcinoma, addiction, and other extrahepatic diseases). We also emphasized that ALD was more dangerous and difficult to treat than other liver diseases due to its complications, and that precise and effective treatment measures were lacking. In addition, we considered new ideas and treatment methods that may be generated in the future.

Stenting of gastroduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm threatened rupture: report of a case

Gastroduodenal artery (GDA) aneurysm is a rare surgical entity that causes various symptoms. In the case of rupture, it usually presents an ominous prognosis and mortality rate of up to 40%. Although open surgical procedure is a mainstay, endovascular intervention is emerging as a promising treatment in recent years, due to its advantages and safety. We present a case of upper gastrointestinal bleeding caused by GDA pseudoaneurysm threatened rupture in a 72-year-old woman, with medical episodes of acute pancreatitis, a pancreatic body tumor removal surgery was performed, and now the tumor is relapsing and metastasizing. The treatment approach is blocking off the pseudoaneurysm by a covered stent. The procedure was successful and the patient is asymptomatic. Two months later, the pseudoaneurysm reduces its size and is completely excluded from the preservation of the blood flow in the artery. Endovascular interventional treatment in the case of GDA aneurysms is considered a promising alternative not only to open surgery but also to an effective emerging technique even in the acute setting.

Trans-splenic percutaneous glue embolization of bleeding gastric varices in the setting of malignant sinistral portal hypertension

Sinistral portal hypertension, also known as left-sided portal hypertension, is a rare cause of gastric variceal bleeding which occurs secondary to occlusion of the splenic vein. We present a case of venous occlusion and sinistral portal hypertension secondary to distal pancreatic cancer requiring treatment of gastric variceal bleeding. After failing conservative management, transvenous intervention was attempted, but a venous communication with the gastric varices was unable to be identified on multiple venograms. A percutaneous trans-splenic approach using a 21-G needle and ultrasound guidance was successful in directly accessing an intraparenchymal vein feeding the gastric varices, and glue embolization was performed directly through the access needle with excellent results.

Efficacy and safety of over-the-scope-clips in the therapy of acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: Meta-analysis.

Acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (ANVUGIB) is a frequent life-threatening acute condition in gastroenterology associated with high morbidity and mortality. Over-the-scope-clip (OTSC) is a new endoscopic hemostasis technique, which is being used in ANVUGIB and is more effective. To summarize and analyze the effects of the OTSC in prevention of recurrent bleeding, clinical success rate, procedure time, hospital stay, and adverse events in the treatment of ANVUGIB, to evaluate whether OTSC can replace standard endoscopic therapy as a new generation of treatment for ANVUGIB. The literature related to OTSC and standard therapy for ANVUGIB published before January 2023 was searched in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane, Google, and CNKI databases. Changes in recurrent bleeding (7 or 30 days), clinical results (clinical success rate, conversion rate to surgery, mortality), therapy time (procedure time, hospital stay), and adverse events in the OTSC intervention group were summarized and analyzed, and the MD or OR of 95%CI is calculated by Review Manager 5.3. This meta-analysis involved 11 studies with 1266 patients. Total risk of bias was moderate-to-high. For patients in the OTSC group, 7- and 30-days recurrent bleeding rates, as well as procedure time, hospital stay, and intensive care unit stay, were greatly inhibited. OTSC could significantly improve the clinical success rate of ANVUGIB. OTSC therapy did not cause serious adverse and was effective in reducing patient mortality. OTSC may provide more rapid and sustained hemostasis, and thus, promote recovery and reduce mortality in patients with ANVUGIB. In addition, the safety of OTSC is assured.

The Value of Ultrasonography in Detecting Gastric Haemorrhage.

It is crucial to remember that FAST ultrasound is important in examining five areas, and epigastric bleeding appears hypoechoic, making ultrasound evaluation essential.

Improving triage in upper gastrointestinal bleeding: insights from the UK National Endoscopy Database (NED)

Background and aimsWe aimed to analyse data from the UK National Endoscopy Database (NED) to investigate factors associated with endotherapy in patients with suspected upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) .MethodsAnalysis of...

Prognostic Significance of the Hemoglobin-Albumin Ratio in Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

ABSTRACT Objective Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a serious and life-threatening condition where monitoring and prognosis are crucial. This study aimed to compare the prognostic value of the hemoglobin-albumin ratio (HAR) with endoscopic risk scoring systems. Methods The medical records of 153 patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding treated at our clinic between 2022 and 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. Endoscopic risk scoring systems, including the Rockall score (RS), Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS), and Forrest classification, were calculated. The HAR score, consisting of hematologic parameters, was computed. The HAR score was compared with clinical findings and endoscopic scores using the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The relationships between the HAR values and numerical variables were examined using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results Of the patients, 122 (79.7%) were male and 31 (20.3%) were female. A duodenal ulcer was the most common endoscopic finding (43.7%). The mean GBS was 10.69±3.89, RS was 4.37±2.27, and HAR was 2.88±0.64. There was a low-level significant correlation between the HAR score and the Glasgow Blatchford score (r=-0.254, p=0.002). Low hemoglobin levels, a low HAR score, and a high GBS were associated with a poor prognosis. Conclusion In patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, a low HAR score is associated with a poor prognosis. The HAR score is an effective and reliable marker, similar to endoscopic scoring systems. This study revealed a correlation between a high GBS and a low HAR score. Due to its simplicity, rapid and easy calculation, and practicality, the HAR score can be used routinely in clinical practice.

Identification of novel signal of proton pump inhibitor-associated drug reaction with eosinophilia andsystemic symptoms: a disproportionality analysis.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed for treating upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, eradicating Helicobacter pylori, and stress ulcer prophylaxis, among other digestive system diseases. Recent case reports provided limitedevidence of a correlation between PPIs and drug reactions with eosinophilia andsystemic symptoms (DRESS). However, there is currently no established association between PPIs and DRESS. This research aimed to identify the associations between PPIs and DRESS using the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) database. A retrospective investigation of DRESS associated with six PPIs used FAERS data from Q1 2004 to Q3 2023. Data mining algorithms were used to identify adverse events in the FAERS database that met the following criteria: (1) proportional reporting ratio (PRR) ≥ 2; (2) reporting odds ratio (ROR) > 1; (3) 95% confidence interval (CI) of ROR > 1; (4) Chi-square (χ2) ≥ 4 and case count ≥ 3. There were 495 reports of PPI-related DRESS, including pantoprazole (174, 35.2%), omeprazole (103, 20.8%), lansoprazole (103, 20.8%), esomeprazole (101, 20.4%), rabeprazole (8, 1.6%), and dexlansoprazole (6, 1.2%). The results indicated a significant association of three PPIs (pantoprazole, omeprazole, and lansoprazole) with DRESS. The sensitivity analysis demonstrated that only pantoprazole remained significantly associated with DRESS after 10 concomitant drugs had been removed (ROR: 3.00, PRR: 2.99, and information component [IC]: 1.57). This study identified the signals suggesting a potential association between DRESS and six PPIs. However, more investigation of epidemiological data is required to validate of these conclusions.

Feco-prevalence, endoscopic pattern and associated factors of Helicobacter Pylori infection among symptomatic adult patients in Northern Tanzania.

Africa has consistently had the highest prevalence (70.1%) of H. pylori, and this has led to significant cases of dyspepsia, gastric cancers, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. However, most studies have used sero-prevalence, which might not give the current state of the infection. Among the tests, the stool antigen test is simple, quick, and effective. The study aimed to determine the feco-prevalence, endoscopic pattern, and associated factors of H. pylori infection among symptomatic adult patients in Northern Tanzania. A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to April 2023 among adults attending the gastroenterology clinic at Kilimanjaro Chistian Medical Centre. A systematic random sampling was used to select the participants with indications of undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Questionnaires, stool and blood samples, and endoscopy were used to collect variable data. Numerical and categorical variables were summarized into narrations and tables. Logistic regression was used to assess the factors associated with H. pylori. The feco-prevalence of H. pylori was 43.4%. Chronic gastritis (51.1%) was the most common endoscopic pattern, whereas duodenal ulcers and gastric ulcers were significantly associated with H. pylori infection. Increasing in age (p <0.001) and blood group (p <0.001) were significantly associated with H. pylori infection in the adjusted analysis. The feco-prevalence of H. pylori is high in this setting. H. pylori stool antigen can be used as the initial workup for symptomatic patients before the initiation of proton pump inhibitors. Additionally, due to other causes of dyspepsia, it is advised that H. pylori stool antigen testing be part of the initial evaluation and esophagogastroduodenoscopy be considered in the absence of other alarm symptoms if symptoms persist despite an appropriate trial of medical therapy.

Transcatheter embolization for duodenal ulcer bleeding originating from cystic artery erosion

BackgroundUlcer erosion into the cystic artery is a rare cause of bleeding in duodenal ulcers, with only a limited number of cases described in the literature. Historically, treatment has predominantly involved surgical intervention. We present three cases of duodenal ulcer bleeding due to cystic artery erosion, which were successfully managed with cystic artery embolization.Case presentationThis case series includes three male patients with duodenal ulcer bleeding, aged 90, 81, and 82 years, respectively, and no prior history of biliary system disorders. The ulcer locations were identified as two in the post-bulbar region and one in the anterior bulb. After the failure of medical and endoscopic treatment, transcatheter arterial embolization was adopted. Initial angiography did not reveal any contrast medium extravasation. Empirical embolization of the gastroduodenal artery using gelatin sponge particles and coils failed to achieve hemostasis. Super-selective cystic artery angiography confirmed the source of bleeding as the cystic artery. One patient was embolized with gelatin sponge particles and coils, while the other two patients were embolized with N-butyl-cyanoacrylate. All patients achieved successful hemostasis without gallbladder infraction.ConclusionsCystic artery embolization proved to be a minimally invasive technique for achieving hemostasis in these cases, indicating that it may be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for this uncommon cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Validation through further studies is warranted.

Primary Pancreatic Lymphoma with Active Gastric Bleeding. A Clinical Case and Review Literature.

Primary Pancreatic Lymphoma with Active Gastric Bleeding. A Clinical Case and Review Literature.

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure: What are the Particularities?

Introduction: Upper Gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a major cause of mortality in patients with renal failure. The aim of our study is to determine the epidemiological, lesional and prognostic profile of UGIB in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Materials and Methods: This was a single-center study conducted from September 2017 to August 2023, including all patients with CKD admitted to the emergency department for upper GI bleeding who underwent Esogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The various data were collected from endoscopy registries. Results: Of 662 patients admitted via the emergency department for UGIB, 59 cases of CKD (8.9%) were included, of which 43 cases were at the hemodialysis stage (72.88%). The mean age was 57.17 years, with a male predominance (sex ratio M/F 1.55). Isolated melena was the main reason for admission in 35 cases (59.32%), followed by hematemesis with melena in 9 cases (15.25%), and hematemesis without melena in 10 cases (16.94%), while massive rectal bleeding was present in 5 cases (8.47%). Esogastroduodenoscopy established the etiological diagnosis of UGIB in 40 cases (67.8%) and revealed the following lesions: 25 cases of peptic ulcer (62. 5%):2 cases (8%) of antral gastric ulcer,1 case (4%) of Forrest IIc bulbar ulcer, 12 cases (48%) of Forrest III bulbar ulcer and 10 cases (40%) of ulcerative bulbitis, 12 cases (30%) of gastric and duodenal angiodysplasia, 2 cases (5%) of Los Angelos grade B and C esophagitis and 1 case (2. 5%) of grade II of oesophageal varices ligatured in an unknown patient with portal hypertension. EGD was negative in 32.2% of cases. Conclusion: Upper GI bleeding is common in patients with chronic renal failure and is primarily caused by peptic ulcer disease and angiodysplasia.

Early Experience with Surgical Management of Non-Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension in Nigeria: Report from a Single Centre

Abstract Introduction: Portal hypertension is characterised by an increase in portal pressure. It may be a result of cirrhosis of the liver or non-cirrhotic hepatic and portal vein diseases. Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) is caused by a heterogeneous group of diseases affecting the liver and extrahepatic locations. In our setting, the most common cause of NCPH is schistosomiasis. We describe our experience in the surgical management of NCPH. Materials and Methods: This is a single centre retrospective study of all patients who had surgery for NCPH from January 2015 to December 2023 was retrieved for data collection. Data collected included the cause of portal hypertension, age, gender, indication for surgery, type of surgery, and outcome of surgery. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Results: A total of 13 patients had surgery for NCPH. The most common cause of NCPH was hepatosplenic schistosomiasis in 10 patients, whereas the remaining 3 patients had idiopathic NCPH. The indication for surgery was upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to oesophageal varices refractory to endoscopic therapy. The surgical intervention of choice includes the modified Sugiura procedure in five patients and the Hassab procedure in eight patients. Variceal rebleeding was seen in two patients within 1 year of surgery (15%) and in only three patients within 3 years of surgery (23%). Conclusion: Surgical treatment of NCPH is associated with good outcomes in patients with failed endoscopic therapy.