Korean J Gastroenterol.  2004 Jul;44(1):19-24.

Rate and Predictive Factors of Rebleeding with Obscure-Overt Gastrointestinal Bleeding

• Kim JH
• Kim YH
• Lee SY
• Jung HW
• Lee JH
• Son HJ
• Rhee PL
• Kim JJ
• Rhee JC

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Little information is available on the rate and predictive factors of rebleeding of unknown cause, which is very important in deciding further investigations on obscure-overt gastrointestinal bleeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rebleeding rate and related factors in obscure-overt gastrointestinal bleeding patients who revealed normal gastroscopic and colonoscopic findings. METHODS: A total of 69 patients with negative first-line gastroscopy and colonoscopy were enrolled in this study as obscure-overt gastrointestinal bleeding cases. The relationships between rebleeding and clinical characteristics were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The causes of obscure-overt gastrointestinal bleeding were confirmed in 30 cases among the 69 cases. Small bowel tumors (14 cases) were the most common cause, followed by vascular lesions (6 cases). The mean follow-up period was 28 months and rebleeding was noticed in 19 patients (27.5%). Among these rebleeding patients, 14 cases (73.7%) occurred within 6 months. The past experience of previous bleeding was significantly related with rebleeding (p=0.0009). CONCLUSIONS: Close observation and detailed investigations are needed for obscure-overt gastrointestinal bleeding patients with bleeding history, especially during 6 months follow-up.

Keyword

Gastrointestinal bleeding; Recurrence; Risk factors; Causes

MeSH Terms

Adult
Aged
Angiodysplasia/complications/diagnosis
Female
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/diagnosis/*etiology
Gastrointestinal Neoplasms/complications/diagnosis
Humans
Intestinal Diseases/complications/diagnosis
Male
Middle Aged
Recurrence
Risk Factors