Abstract

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a gastroenterological emergency with a mortality of 6%-13%. The vast majority of these bleeds are due to peptic ulcers. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and Helicobacter pylori are the main risk factors for peptic ulcer disease. Endoscopy has become the mainstay for diagnosis and treatment of acute UGIB, and is recommended within 24 h of presentation. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) administration before endoscopy can downstage the bleeding lesion and reduce the need for endoscopic therapy, but has no effect on rebleeding, mortality and need for surgery. Endoscopic therapy should be undertaken for ulcers with high-risk stigmata, to reduce the risk of rebleeding. This can be done with a variety of modalities. High-dose PPI administration after endoscopy can prevent rebleeding and reduce the need for further intervention and mortality, particularly in patients with high-risk stigmata.

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Authors

Holster IL, Kuipers EJ

Institution

Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Centre, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands. i.holster@erasmusmc.nl

Source

World journal of gastroenterology : WJG 18:11 2012 Mar 21 pg 1202-7

MeSH

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
Disease Management
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
Helicobacter Infections
Hemostasis, Endoscopic
Humans
Risk Factors

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Review

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22468083