Initial management of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding and timing of endoscopy

Nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) remains a common cause of hospitalization, with nearly 300,000 cases occurring annually in the United States with a mortality rate of 2 –14% [1–5]. The economic burden from UGIB is substantial with estimates of in-hospital nationwide expenditures of $7.6 billion in 2009 [2]. Patients with UGIB typically present with hematemesis, melena, and/or hematochezia in the setting of brisk bleeding. The initial steps in management involve resuscitation with close hemodynamic monitoring, risk stratification based on validated prognostic scores, and prompt upper endoscopy.

Source: Techniques in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - November 10, 2016 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Navin L Kumar, Jennifer Nayor, John R Saltzman Source Type: research