Clin Endosc.  2019 Jan;52(1):47-52. 10.5946/ce.2018.093.

Endoscopy Timing in Patients with Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

• Alexandrino G
• Domingues
• Carvalho R
• Costa MN
• Lourenço
• Reis J

• KMID: 2438144
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5946/ce.2018.093

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
The role of very early (≤12 hours) endoscopy in nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding is controversial. We aimed to compare results of very early and early (12-24 hours) endoscopy in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding demonstrating low-risk versus high-risk features and nonvariceal versus variceal bleeding.
METHODS
This retrospective study included patients with nonvariceal and variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The primary outcome was a composite of inpatient death, rebleeding, or need for surgery or intensive care unit admission. Endoscopy timing was defined as very early and early. We performed the analysis in two subgroups: (1) high-risk vs. low-risk patients and (2) variceal vs. nonvariceal bleeding.
RESULTS
A total of 102 patients were included, of whom 59.8% underwent urgent endoscopy. Patients who underwent very early endoscopy received endoscopic therapy more frequently (p=0.001), but there was no improvement in other clinical outcomes. Furthermore, patients at low risk and with nonvariceal bleeding who underwent very early endoscopy had a higher risk of the composite outcome.
CONCLUSIONS
Very early endoscopy does not seem to be associated with improved clinical outcomes and may lead to poorer outcomes in specific populations with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The actual benefit of very early endoscopy remains controversial and should be further clarified.

Keyword

Endoscopy, gastrointestinal; Endoscopy, digestive system; Gastrointestinal hemorrhage; Hemostasis, endoscopic; Patient outcome assessment

MeSH Terms

Endoscopy*
Endoscopy, Digestive System
Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
Esophageal and Gastric Varices
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
Hemorrhage*
Hemostasis, Endoscopic
Humans
Inpatients
Intensive Care Units
Patient Outcome Assessment
Retrospective Studies

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