Discontinuation of low-dose aspirin therapy after peptic ulcer bleeding increases risk of death and acute cardiovascular events

The effect of deprescribing interventions on mortality and health outcomes in older people: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Previous systematic reviews suggest that deprescribing may improve survival, particularly in frail older people. Evidence is rapidly accumulating, suggesting a need for an updated review of the literature.

METHODS

We updated a 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis to include studies published from inception to 26 April 2024 from specified databases. Studies in which older people had at least one medication deprescribed were included and grouped by study designs and targeted medications. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa tool. Odds ratios (OR) or mean differences were calculated as the effect measures using either the Mantel-Haenszel or generic inverse-variance method with fixed- or random-effects meta-analyses. The primary outcome was mortality. Secondary outcomes were adverse drug withdrawal events, physical health, cognitive function, quality of life and effect on medication regimen. Subgroup analyses were performed based on age and intervention types.

RESULTS

A total of 259 studies (reported in 286 papers) were included in this updated review. Deprescribing polypharmacy did not result in a significant reduction in mortality in both randomized (OR 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84-1.09) and non-randomized studies (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.36-1.38). Further subgroup analyses of randomized studies on deprescribing polypharmacy demonstrated a significant reduction in mortality in the young old (aged 65-79) (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.51-0.99) and when patient-specific interventions were applied (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63-0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Deprescribing can be achieved with potentially important benefits in terms of improved survival, particularly when patient-specific interventions are applied and initiated early in the young old.

Development and Validation of a Novel 1-year Mortality Risk Score That Includes the Use of Antithrombotic in Patients With Overt Gastrointestinal Bleeding

GOALS AND BACKGROUND

We aimed to develop a novel 1-year mortality risk-scoring system that includes use of antithrombotic (AT) drugs and to validate it against other scoring systems in patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB).

STUDY

We developed a risk-scoring system from prospectively collected data on patients admitted with GIB between January 2013 and August 2020, who had at least 1- year of follow-up. Independent predictors of 1-year mortality were determined after adjusting for the following confounders: the age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (divided into 4 groups: CCI-0=0, CCI-1=1 to 3, CCI-2=4 to 6, CCI-3 ≥7), need for blood transfusion, GIB severity, need for endoscopic therapy, and type of AT. The risk score was based on independent predictors.

RESULTS

Five hundred seventy-six patients were included and 123 (21%) died at 1-year follow-up. Our risk -score was based on the following: CCI-2 (2 points), CCI-3 (4 points), need for blood transfusion (1 point), and no use of aspirin (1 point), as aspirin use was protective (maximum score=6). Patients with higher risk scores had higher mortality. The model had a better predictive accuracy [AUC=0.82, 95% confidence interval (0.78-0.86), P <0.0001] than the Rockall score for upper GIB (Area Under the Curve (AUC)=0.68, P <<0.0001), the Oakland score for lower GIB (AUC=0.69, p =0.004), or the Shock Index for all (AUC=0.54, P <0.0001).

CONCLUSION

A simple and novel score that includes use of AT upon admission accurately predicts 1-year mortality in patients with GIB. This scoring system may help guide follow-up decisions and inform the prognosis of patients with GIB.

Incidence and impact of antiplatelet therapy cessation among very older patients with stable coronary artery disease

Objectives: Long-term use of evidence-based antiplatelet therapy is recommended for management of stable coronary artery disease (SCAD). However, non-adherence to antiplatelet drugs is common in older patients. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and impact of antiplatelet therapy cessation on clinical outcomes of older patients with SCAD. Methods: A total of 351 consecutive eligible very older patients (≥80 years) with SCAD from the PLA General Hospital were included. Baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, and clinical outcomes were collected during follow-up. Patients were divided into cessation group and standard group based on whether discontinuing of antiplatelet drugs. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and secondary outcomes were minor bleeding and all-cause mortality. Results: A total of 351 participants, with a mean age of 91.76 ± 5.01 years old (range 80-106 years) were included in statistical analysis. The antiplatelet drug cessation rate was 60.1%. There were 211 patients in cessation group and 140 patients in standard group. During a median follow-up of 98.6 months, the primary outcome of MACE occurred in 155 patients (73.5%) in the cessation group and 84 patients (60.0%) in the standard group (HR = 1.476, 95% CI:1.124-1.938, p = 0.005). Cessation of antiplatelet drugs increased the rates of angina (HR = 1.724, 95% CI:1.211-2.453, p = 0.002) and non-fatal MI (HR = 1.569, 95% CI:1.093-2.251, p = 0.014). The secondary outcomes of minor bleeding and all-cause mortality were similar between the two groups. Conclusion: Among very older patients with SCAD, antiplatelet therapy cessation significantly increased the risk of MACE, and continuous antiplatelet drug therapy didn't increase the risk of minor bleeding.

Improved Survival for Patients With Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding While on Antithrombotic Therapy: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

GOALS

Aim of the study was to determine if patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB) while on antithrombotic agents (ATs) are at higher risk for worse outcomes.

BACKGROUND

ATs are risk factors of AUGIB, but their impact on clinical outcomes is uncertain.

STUDY

Patients with AUGIB (nonvariceal, NV-AUGIB or variceal, V-AUGIB) in 50 Italian hospitals were prospectively enrolled from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015. Clinical data, laboratory tests, comorbidities, prognostic scores, received therapies, and outcomes (death, rebleeding, surgery/radiology, transfusions, length of hospitalization) were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 3324 patients (2764 NV-AUGIB, 83.2% and 560 V-AUGIB, 16.8%) were enrolled, 1399 (42.1%) on ATs. Patients taking ATs were older (75.4 vs. 62.8 y, P <0.001), had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), Rockall and Glasgow-Blatchford scores ( P <0.001). At multivariate analysis considering comorbidities, ATs use resulted an independent protective factor against death [odds ratio (OR): 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.45-0.87, P =0.006]. Rebleeding (5.5% vs. 5.8%, P =0.71) and need for salvage surgery/radiology (4.2% vs. 4.8%, P =0.41) were similar in the 2 groups. Considering specific ATs, low-dose aspirin was the most powerful factor lowering the death risk (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.33-0.81, P =0.004). While the generic use of AT therapy did not emerge as a statistically significant independent protective factor considering separately NV-AUGIB (OR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.56-1.13, P =0.21) and V-AUGIB (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.15-1.07, P =0.068), the protective effect of low-dose aspirin was confirmed for NV-AUGIB (OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.41-0.94, P =0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

ATs use is an independent protective factor against death in AUGIB. The protective effect is mainly derived from low-dose aspirin.

Synergism interaction between genetic polymorphisms in drug metabolizing enzymes and NSAIDs on upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage: a multicenter case-control study

BACKGROUND

Interindividual genetic variations contribute to differences in patients' response to drugs as well as to the development of certain disorders. Patients who use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may develop serious gastrointestinal disorders, mainly upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage (UGIH). Studies about the interaction between NSAIDs and genetic variations on the risk of UGIH are scarce. Therefore, we investigated the effect of 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) involved in drug metabolism on the risk of NSAIDs-induced UGIH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a multicenter case-control study of 326 cases and 748 controls. Participants were sub-grouped into four categories according to NSAID exposure and genetic profile. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) using generalized linear mixed models for dependent binomial variables and then calculated the measures of interaction, synergism index (S), and relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI). We undertook stratified analyses by the type of NSAID (aspirin, non-aspirin).

RESULTS

We observed an excess risk of UGIH due to an interaction between any NSAID, non-aspirin NSAIDs or aspirin and carrying certain SNPs. The greatest excess risk was observed for carriers of: rs2180314:C>G [any NSAID: S = 3.30 (95%CI: 1.24-8.80), RERI = 4.39 (95%CI: 0.70-8.07); non-aspirin NSAIDs: S = 3.42 (95%CI: 1.12-10.47), RERI = 3.97 (95%CI: 0.44-7.50)], and rs4809957:A>G [any NSAID: S = 2.11 (95%CI: 0.90-4.97), RERI = 3.46 (95%CI: -0.40-7.31)]. Aspirin use by carriers of rs6664:C>T is also associated with increased risk of UGIH [OR_{aspirin(+),wild-type}: 2.22 (95%CI: 0.69-7.17) vs. OR_{aspirin(+),genetic-variation}: 7.72 (95%CI: 2.75-21.68)], yet larger sample size is needed to confirm this observation.

CONCLUSIONS

The joint effect of the SNPs s2180314:C>G and rs4809957:A>G and NSAIDs are more than three times higher than the sum of their individual effects. Personalized prescriptions based on genotyping would permit a better weighing of risks and benefits from NSAID consumption.KEY MESSAGESMulticenter case-control study of the effect of genetic variations involved in drug metabolism on upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage (UGIH) induced by NSAIDs (aspirin and non-aspirin).There is a statistically significant additive synergism interaction between certain genetic polymorphisms and NSAIDs on UGIH: rs2180314:C>G and rs4809957:A>G. The joint effect of each of these single nucleotide polymorphisms and NSAIDs on UGIH is more than three times higher than the sum of their individual effects.Genetic profiling and personalized prescriptions would be useful in managing the risks and benefits associated with NSAIDs.

Discontinuing low-dose acetylsalicylic acid after gastrointestinal bleeding is associated with increased mortality

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal bleeding is a common clinical problem in patients using low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). It is uncertain whether aspirin should continue to be used in patients who develop acute gastrointestinal bleeding during low-dose ASA therapy.

AIMS

To assess whether ASA should be continued in patients who develop GI bleeding during low-dose ASA.

METHODS

All patients admitted to an academic hospital for acute gastrointestinal bleeding between 2009 and 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical characteristics, comorbidities, medications and treatments were recorded from the patient records. Patients were divided into two groups based on continuing or discontinuing ASA after discharge.

RESULTS

A total of 548 patients were included. ASA was continued in 282 (51.5%) (ASAc group) and discontinued in 266 (48.5%) patients (ASAd group). ASAc patients had more often coronary artery disease (57.8% vs. 42.5%, p < .001) and peripheral artery disease (17.4% vs. 9.0%, p = .004) than ASAd patients, whereas no differences were found in other comorbidities. There was no difference in 30-day all-cause mortality between ASAd and ASAc groups. However, after adjustment for age, gender and comorbidities, one-year all-cause mortality was double in the ASAd group (hazard ratio 2.16, 95% confidence interval 1.39-3.35). ASAd and ASAc groups did not differ with respect to cardiovascular mortality (4.9% vs. 5.3%, p = .811, respectively) or re-bleeding (10.2% vs. 9.2%, p = .713, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Continuing low-dose ASA after gastrointestinal bleeding was associated with lower all-cause mortality during the first year without increasing the risk of re-bleeding.

American College of Gastroenterology-Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Clinical Practice Guideline: Management of Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets During Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding and the Periendoscopic Period

We conducted systematic reviews of predefined clinical questions and used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach to develop recommendations for the periendoscopic management of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs during acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and the elective endoscopic setting. The following recommendations target patients presenting with acute GI bleeding: For patients on warfarin, we suggest against giving fresh frozen plasma or vitamin K; if needed, we suggest prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) compared with fresh frozen plasma administration; for patients on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), we suggest against PCC administration; if on dabigatran, we suggest against the administration of idarucizumab, and if on rivaroxaban or apixaban, we suggest against andexanet alfa administration; for patients on antiplatelet agents, we suggest against platelet transfusions; and for patients on cardiac acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) for secondary prevention, we suggest against holding it, but if the ASA has been interrupted, we suggest resumption on the day hemostasis is endoscopically confirmed. The following recommendations target patients in the elective (planned) endoscopy setting: For patients on warfarin, we suggest continuation as opposed to temporary interruption (1-7 days), but if it is held for procedures with high risk of GI bleeding, we suggest against bridging anticoagulation unless the patient has a mechanical heart valve; for patients on DOACs, we suggest temporarily interrupting rather than continuing these; for patients on dual antiplatelet therapy for secondary prevention, we suggest temporary interruption of the P2Y12 receptor inhibitor while continuing ASA; and if on cardiac ASA monotherapy for secondary prevention, we suggest against its interruption. Evidence was insufficient in the following settings to permit recommendations. With acute GI bleeding in patients on warfarin, we could not recommend for or against PCC administration when compared with placebo. In the elective periprocedural endoscopy setting, we could not recommend for or against temporary interruption of the P2Y12 receptor inhibitor for patients on a single P2Y12 inhibiting agent. We were also unable to make a recommendation regarding same-day resumption of the drug vs 1-7 days after the procedure among patients prescribed anticoagulants (warfarin or DOACs) or P2Y12 receptor inhibitor drugs because of insufficient evidence.

American College of Gastroenterology-Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Clinical Practice Guideline: Management of Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets During Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding and the Periendoscopic Period

We conducted systematic reviews of predefined clinical questions and used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach to develop recommendations for the periendoscopic management of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs during acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and the elective endoscopic setting. The following recommendations target patients presenting with acute GI bleeding: For patients on warfarin, we suggest against giving fresh frozen plasma or vitamin K; if needed, we suggest prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) compared with fresh frozen plasma administration; for patients on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), we suggest against PCC administration; if on dabigatran, we suggest against the administration of idarucizumab, and if on rivaroxaban or apixaban, we suggest against andexanet alfa administration; for patients on antiplatelet agents, we suggest against platelet transfusions; and for patients on cardiac acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) for secondary prevention, we suggest against holding it, but if the ASA has been interrupted, we suggest resumption on the day hemostasis is endoscopically confirmed. The following recommendations target patients in the elective (planned) endoscopy setting: For patients on warfarin, we suggest continuation as opposed to temporary interruption (1-7 days), but if it is held for procedures with high risk of GI bleeding, we suggest against bridging anticoagulation unless the patient has a mechanical heart valve; for patients on DOACs, we suggest temporarily interrupting rather than continuing these; for patients on dual antiplatelet therapy for secondary prevention, we suggest temporary interruption of the P2Y12 receptor inhibitor while continuing ASA; and if on cardiac ASA monotherapy for secondary prevention, we suggest against its interruption. Evidence was insufficient in the following settings to permit recommendations. With acute GI bleeding in patients on warfarin, we could not recommend for or against PCC administration when compared with placebo. In the elective periprocedural endoscopy setting, we could not recommend for or against temporary interruption of the P2Y12 receptor inhibitor for patients on a single P2Y12 inhibiting agent. We were also unable to make a recommendation regarding same-day resumption of the drug vs 1-7 days after the procedure among patients prescribed anticoagulants (warfarin or DOACs) or P2Y12 receptor inhibitor drugs because of insufficient evidence.

VALIDATION OF THE ROCKALL SCORE IN UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT BLEEDING IN A COLOMBIAN TERTIARY HOSPITAL

ABSTRACT Background Rockall score is the most widely used prognostic scale for assessing risk of complications from non-varicose upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). Several studies have been conducted in adult populations with non-varicose UGIB in different parts of the world, with conflicting findings regarding the extent of association between the score and some morbidity and mortality outcomes. Also, there is controversy regarding the best cut-off point for the score. Moreover, no studies validating this score in Colombia have been carried out. Objective To assess the diagnostic performance of the Rockall score in predicting rebleeding and mortality in patients with non-varicose UGIB. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted in patients requiring upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) for non-varicose bleeding. The pre-and post-endoscopy Rockall scores were calculated and outcomes, including mortality, UGIB-associated mortality and in hospital rebleeding were determined at the 1 and 3-month time points. The association between the scores and these outcomes was assessed using the chi2 or the Fisher test, whereas the discrimination ability of the score was determined using the areas under the ROC curve (AUC). High discrimination ability was considered to exist in cases in which an AUC ≤0.7 with α=0.05 could be rejected. Results Overall, 177 patients were analyzed. In-hospital outcomes at 1 and 3 months were 12%, 17% and 23% for general mortality, 6%, 12% and 15% for UGIB mortality, and 19%, 30% and 37% for rebleeding. The post-endoscopy Rockall score was associated with the three outcomes at the three time points assessed, while the pre-endoscopy score was only associated with general mortality at the three time points, and rebleeding at 1 and 3 months. Regarding discrimination ability, although the AUC was greater than expected by randomness (0.5) in all cases, only one AUC ≤0.7 was rejected in the post-endoscopy score for in-hospital UGIB mortality (AUC=0.901; 95%CI: 0.845—0.958), at 1 month (AUC=0.836; 95%CI: 0.717—0.954) and at 3 months (AUC=0.869; 95%CI: 0.771—0.967), and for rebleeding at 1 month (AUC=0.793; 95%CI: 0.725—0.861) and at 3 months (AUC=0.806; 95%CI: 0.741—0.871). Conclusion An association was found between the Rockall score and rebleeding and mortality in patients with non-varicose UGIB. Only the post-endoscopy score had a high predictive ability for rebleeding and UGIB mortality.

Long-Term Adherence and Persistence to Low-Dose Aspirin for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: A Population-Based Cohort Study

METHODS

Using information from electronic health records in Germany and the United Kingdom (UK) in a common data model, we followed adults with ≥2 low-dose aspirin prescriptions (75-100 mg) during 2007-2018 for up to 10 years. Included individuals had no low-dose aspirin prescriptions in the year before the follow-up started (date of first low-dose aspirin prescription) and ≥12 months' observation. Adherence was determined using the medication possession ratio (MPR), and persistence was defined as continuous treatment disregarding gaps between prescriptions of <60 days; analyses were undertaken according to indication (primary/secondary CVD prevention).

RESULTS

We identified 144,717 low-dose aspirin users from Germany and 190,907 from the UK. Among patients with 5-10 years' follow-up, median adherence among secondary CVD prevention users was 60% in Germany and 75% in the UK. Among primary prevention users, median adherence was 50% for both countries. Persistence among secondary CVD prevention users was 58.3% at 2 years, 47.0% at 5 years, 35.2% at 10 years (Germany), and 67.5% at 2 years, 58.0% at 5 years, and 46.8% at 10 years (UK). Among primary CVD prevention users, persistence was 52.8% at 2 years, 41.6% at 5 years, 32.1% at 10 years (Germany), 56.3% at 2 years, 45.4% at 5 years, and 33.8% at 10 years (UK).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term adherence and persistence to low-dose aspirin are suboptimal; efforts for improvement could translate into a lower CVD burden in the general population.

The outcomes of emergency hospital admissions with non-malignant upper gastrointestinal bleeding in England between 2003 and 2015

BACKGROUND

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common medical emergency with significant mortality. Despite developments in endoscopic and clinical management, only minor improvements in outcomes have been reported.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with non-malignant UGIB emergency admissions in England between 2003 and 2015, using Hospital Episode Statistics. Multilevel logistic regression analysis examined the associations with mortality.

RESULTS

242 796 patients with an UGIB admission were identified (58.8 % men; median age 70 [interquartile range (IQR) 53 - 81]). Between 2003 and 2015, falls occurred in both 30-day mortality (7.5 % to 7.0 %; P < 0.001) and age-standardized mortality (odds ratio (OR) 0.74, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.69 - 0.80; P < 0.001), including from variceal bleeding (OR 0.63, 95 %CI 0.45 - 0.87; P < 0.005). Increasing co-morbidity (Charlson score > 5, OR 2.94, 95 %CI 2.85 - 3.04; P < 0.001), older age (> 83 years, OR 6.50, 95 %CI 6.09 - 6.94; P < 0.001), variceal bleeding (OR 2.03, 95 %CI 1.89 - 2.18; P < 0.001), and a weekend admission (Sunday, OR 1.18, 95 %CI 1.12 - 1.23; P < 0.001) were associated with 30-day mortality. Of deaths at 30 days, 8.9 % were from ischemic heart disease (IHD) and the cardiovascular age-standardized mortality rate following UGIB was high (IHD deaths within 1 year, 1188.4 [95 %CI 1036.8 - 1353.8] per 100 000 men in 2003).

CONCLUSIONS

Between 2003 and 2015, 30-day mortality among emergency admissions with non-malignant UGIB fell by 0.5 % to 7.0 %. Mortality was higher among UGIB admissions at the weekend, with important implications for service provision. Patients with UGIB had a much greater risk of subsequently dying from cardiovascular disease and addressing this risk is a key management step in UGIB.

Increased rebleeding and mortality in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding treated with anticoagulant drugs compared to antiplatelet drugs

BACKGROUND/AIM

We determined the effect of antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents on rebleeding and mortality in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding.

METHODS

This was a prospective study of patients admitted with gastrointestinal bleeding between 2013 and 2018. Outcomes were compared among patients on antiplatelet agents only, anticoagulant drugs only, combination therapy, and none. The association between mortality, rebleeding, and type of antithrombotic medication on admission and discharge was determined using multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 509 patients were followed up for a median of 19 months. End of follow-up rebleeding and mortality rates were 19.4% and 23.0%, respectively. Independent predictors of mortality were age [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.025 per year increase, P = 0.002], higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (HR = 1.4, P < 0.0001), severe bleeding (HR = 2.1, P < 0.0001), and being on anticoagulants (HR = 2.3, P = 0.002). Being on antiplatelets was protective against rebleeding (HR = 0.6, P = 0.047). Those on anticoagulants were more likely to die (HR = 2.5, P < 0.0001) and to rebleed (HR = 2.1, P = 0.01) than those on antiplatelets. Antithrombotic drug discontinuation upon discharge was associated with increased mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease.

CONCLUSION

In gastrointestinal bleeding, rebleeding and mortality were associated with being on anticoagulant drugs, while being on antiplatelet agents was protective against rebleeding. Discontinuation of antithrombotics upon discharge increased the risk of death. The findings inform risk stratification and decisions regarding continuation or discontinuation of antithrombotics.

Endotherapy for Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

Nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (NVUGIH) is a common GI emergency with significant morbidity and mortality. Triaging cases on the basis of patient-related factors, restrictive blood transfusion strategy, and hemodynamic stabilization are key initial steps for the management of patients with NVUGIH. Endoscopy remains a vital step for both diagnosis and definitive management. Multiple studies and guidelines have now defined the optimum timing for performing the endoscopy after hospitalization, to better the outcome. Conventional methods for achieving endoscopic hemostasis, such as injection therapy, contact, and noncontact thermal therapy, and mechanical therapy, such as through-the-scope clips, have reported to have 76 to 90% efficacy for primary hemostasis. Newer modalities to enhance hemostasis rates have come in vogue. Many of these modalities, such as cap-mounted clips, coagulation forceps, and hemostatic powders have proved to be efficacious in multiple studies. Thus, the newer modalities are recommended not only for management of persistent bleed and recurrent bleed after failed initial hemostasis, using conventional modalities but also now being advocated for primary hemostasis. Failure of endotherapy would warrant radiological or surgical intervention. Some newer tools to optimize endotherapy, such as endoscopic Doppler probes, for determining flow in visible or underlying vessels in ulcer bleed are now being evaluated. This review is focused on the technical aspects and efficacy of various endoscopic modalities, both conventional and new. A synopsis of the various studies describing and comparing the modalities have been outlined. Postendoscopic management including Helicobacter pylori therapy and starting of anticoagulants and antiplatelets have also been outlined.

Aspirin prescribing for cardiovascular disease in middle-aged and older adults in Ireland: Findings from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing

Aspirin use for cardiovascular indications is widespread despite evidence not supporting use in patients without cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study characterises aspirin prescribing among people aged ≥50 years in Ireland for primary and secondary prevention, and factors associated with prescription. This cross-sectional study includes participants from wave 3 (2014-2015) of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. We identified participants reporting use of prescribed aspirin, other antiplatelets/anticoagulants, and doctor-diagnosed CVD (MI, angina, stroke, TIA) and other cardiovascular conditions. We examined factors associated with aspirin use for primary and secondary prevention in multivariate regression. For a subset, we also examined 10-year cardiovascular risk (using the Framingham general risk score) as a predictor of aspirin use. Among 6618 participants, the mean age was 66.9 years (SD 9.4) and 55.6% (3679) were female. Prescribed aspirin was reported by 1432 participants (21.6%), and 77.6% of aspirin users had no previous CVD. Among participants with previous CVD, 16.5% were not prescribed aspirin/another antithrombotic. This equates to 201,000 older adults nationally using aspirin for primary prevention, and 16,000 with previous CVD not prescribed an antithrombotic. Among those without CVD, older age, male sex, free health care, and more GP visits were associated with aspirin prescribing. Cardiovascular risk was significantly associated with aspirin use (adjusted relative risk 1.15, 95%CI 1.08-1.23, per 1% increase in cardiovascular risk). Almost four-fifths of people aged ≥50 years on aspirin have no previous CVD, equivalent to 201,000 adults nationally, however prescribing appears to target higher cardiovascular risk patients.

Resuming aspirin in patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Our primary and secondary aims were to analyze the evidence surrounding mortality and re-bleeding risks in patients on aspirin with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) as a function of whether or not aspirin was resumed after the bleeding episode, and to determine whether aspirin intake upon admission affected the outcomes.

METHODS

A search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective observational studies was performed. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were done. Generic inverse variance and random-effects model were employed. Heterogeneity across studies was assessed using the I 2 test. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach for each comparison and outcome, and an evidence profile was created.

RESULTS

Evidence from 1 RCT and 4 observational studies suggests that early aspirin resumption reduced mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06-0.63) while increasing re-bleeding risk (HR 1.90, 95%CI 0.60-6.00); moderate certainty of evidence. The observational evidence was inconsistent for both mortality (HR 0.84, 95%CI 0.54-1.33) and re-bleeding (HR 0.85, 95%CI 0.47-1.55); very low certainty of evidence. Nine observational studies addressed our secondary aim: 6 provided inconsistent results regarding mortality (pooled odds ratio [OR] 1.1, 95%CI 0.80-1.50) and 4 provided inconsistent results regarding re-bleeding risk (pooled OR 0.92, 95%CI 0.53-1.59); very low certainty of evidence for both outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Evidence supporting a protective effect of aspirin resumption soon after NVUGIB is of low-to-moderate certainty, and is not informative as to the optimal timing of aspirin resumption.

Endoscopic diagnosis and management of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (NVUGIH): European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline - Update 2021

1: ESGE recommends in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGIH) the use of the Glasgow-Blatchford Score (GBS) for pre-endoscopy risk stratification. Patients with GBS ≤ 1 are at very low risk of rebleeding, mortality within 30 days, or needing hospital-based intervention and can be safely managed as outpatients with outpatient endoscopy.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 2: ESGE recommends that in patients with acute UGIH who are taking low-dose aspirin as monotherapy for secondary cardiovascular prophylaxis, aspirin should not be interrupted. If for any reason it is interrupted, aspirin should be re-started as soon as possible, preferably within 3-5 days.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 3: ESGE recommends that following hemodynamic resuscitation, early (≤ 24 hours) upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy should be performed. Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 4: ESGE does not recommend urgent (≤ 12 hours) upper GI endoscopy since as compared to early endoscopy, patient outcomes are not improved. Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 5: ESGE recommends for patients with actively bleeding ulcers (FIa, FIb), combination therapy using epinephrine injection plus a second hemostasis modality (contact thermal or mechanical therapy). Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 6: ESGE recommends for patients with an ulcer with a nonbleeding visible vessel (FIIa), contact or noncontact thermal therapy, mechanical therapy, or injection of a sclerosing agent, each as monotherapy or in combination with epinephrine injection. Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 7 : ESGE suggests that in patients with persistent bleeding refractory to standard hemostasis modalities, the use of a topical hemostatic spray/powder or cap-mounted clip should be considered. Weak recommendation, low quality evidence. 8: ESGE recommends that for patients with clinical evidence of recurrent peptic ulcer hemorrhage, use of a cap-mounted clip should be considered. In the case of failure of this second attempt at endoscopic hemostasis, transcatheter angiographic embolization (TAE) should be considered. Surgery is indicated when TAE is not locally available or after failed TAE. Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 9: ESGE recommends high dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy for patients who receive endoscopic hemostasis and for patients with FIIb ulcer stigmata (adherent clot) not treated endoscopically. (A): PPI therapy should be administered as an intravenous bolus followed by continuous infusion (e. g., 80 mg then 8 mg/hour) for 72 hours post endoscopy. (B): High dose PPI therapies given as intravenous bolus dosing (twice-daily) or in oral formulation (twice-daily) can be considered as alternative regimens.Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 10: ESGE recommends that in patients who require ongoing anticoagulation therapy following acute NVUGIH (e. g., peptic ulcer hemorrhage), anticoagulation should be resumed as soon as the bleeding has been controlled, preferably within or soon after 7 days of the bleeding event, based on thromboembolic risk. The rapid onset of action of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACS), as compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), must be considered in this context.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.

Guidelines for Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) refers to bleeding that develops in the gastrointestinal tract proximal to the ligament of Treitz. NVUGIB requires hospitalization and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although European and Asian-Pacific guidelines have been published, there have been no previous guidelines regarding management of NVUGIB in Korea. Korea has a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infections, and patients have easy accessibility to endoscopy. Therefore, we believe that guidelines regarding management of NVUGIB in Korea are essential. The Korean Society of Gastroenterology reviewed the recent evidence and recommends practical management guidelines on NVUGIB in Korea.

[Guidelines for Non-variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding]

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) refers to bleeding that develops in the gastrointestinal tract proximal to the ligament of Treitz. NVUGIB is an important cause for visiting the hospital and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although European and Asian-Pacific guidelines have been published, there has been no previous guidelines regarding management of NVUGIB in Korea. Korea is a country with a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and patients have easy accessibility to receive endoscopy. Therefore, we believe that guidelines regarding management of NVUGIB are mandatory. The Korean Society of Gastroenterology reviewed recent evidence and recommends practical management guidelines on NVUGIB in Korea.

Management of antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy in endoscopy: A review of literature

Endoscopic procedures hold a basal risk of bleeding that depends on the type of procedure and patients' comorbidities. Moreover, they are often performed in patients taking antiplatelet and anticoagulants agents, increasing the potential risk of intraprocedural and delayed bleeding. Even if the interruption of antithrombotic therapies is undoubtful effective in reducing the risk of bleeding, the thromboembolic risk that follows their suspension should not be underestimated. Therefore, it is fundamental for each endoscopist to be aware of the bleeding risk for every procedure, in order to measure the risk-benefit ratio for each patient. Moreover, knowledge of the proper management of antithrombotic agents before endoscopy, as well as the adequate timing for their resumption is essential. This review aims to analyze current evidence from literature assessing, for each procedure, the basal risk of bleeding and the risk of bleeding in patients taking antithrombotic therapy, as well as to review the recommendation of American society for gastrointestinal endoscopy, European society of gastrointestinal endoscopy, British society of gastroenterology, Asian pacific association of gastroenterology and Asian pacific society for digestive endoscopy guidelines for the management of antithrombotic agents in urgent and elective endoscopic procedures.

Assessing guideline adherence in patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding receiving antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy

Background & aims: Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) occurs frequently and is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality, especially in patients receiving antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy (APT and ACT, respectively). We aimed to evaluate adherence to guideline recommendations published by European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE).Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients with NVUGIB und prior exposition to APT or ACT at a single university hospital between 01 January 2016 and 31 December 2017.Results: 270 patients were identified (70.4% male, median age 72 years). 6/17 (35.3%) patients receiving APT for primary cardiovascular prophylaxis, 39/71 (54.9%) and 35 (49.3%) patients receiving APT for secondary cardiovascular prophylaxis (using strict and liberal definition, respectively) and 13/25 (52%) patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) were not managed according to current recommendations. Management of ACT for secondary thromboembolic prophylaxis did not follow guideline recommendations in 59/93 (63.4%) and 34/93 (36.6%) patients (using strict and liberal definition, respectively). 23.7% of patients with NVUGIB were exposed to combined APT and ACT for whom no guideline recommendations exist. Mortality for any reason was twice as high in patients who were not managed according to guideline recommendations (18.8% vs. 8% using strict definition, 20.5% vs. 10.2% using liberal definition), which did not remain significant after adjusting for comorbidities, whereas cardiovascular events were observed at similar rates.Conclusion: A significant number of patients with NVUGIB receiving APT or ACT is not managed according to current ESGE guideline recommendations. Strategies to implement these guidelines into daily practice need to be developed.

Risk of rebleeding, vascular events and death after gastrointestinal bleeding in anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet users

BACKGROUND

Patients with gastrointestinal bleeding during anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet therapy represent a clinical challenge.

AIM

To determine the risk/rates of rebleeding, vascular events and death in patients treated with antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents who developed major gastrointestinal bleeding METHODS: This was an observational cohort study of patients who developed gastrointestinal bleeding while on antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant therapy. Drug use information was collected prospectively during bleeding events. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate rebleeding, vascular events and death.

RESULTS

Among 871 patients (mean age 78.9 ± 8.6 years), 38.9% used an anticoagulant, 52.5% used an antiplatelet and 8.6% used both; 93.1% interrupted treatment after gastrointestinal bleeding and 80.5% restarted therapy within 7.6 ± 36.4 days; 38.7% had upper gastrointestinal bleeds, 46.7% lower gastrointestinal bleeds and 14.6% gastrointestinal bleeds of unknown origin. Median follow-up was 24.9 months (IQR: 7.0-38.0). Resumption of both therapies was associated with a higher risk of rebleeding, lower risk of ischaemic events or death and a similar risk for upper and lower gastrointestinal events. Resumption of therapy ≤ 7 days after bleeding showed a similar pattern with no differences in death. Rebleeding rates were higher in anticoagulant vs antiplatelet patients (138.0 vs 99.0 events per 1000 patient-years), and the bleeding location was identical in 61.8% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Resumption of anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy after a gastrointestinal bleeding event was associated with a lower risk of vascular events and death and a higher rebleeding risk. The benefits of early reinstitution of anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy outweigh the gastrointestinal-related risks.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Peptic Ulcer Disease

Peptic ulcer disease continues to be a source of significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Approximately two-thirds of patients found to have peptic ulcer disease are asymptomatic. In symptomatic patients, the most common presenting symptom of peptic ulcer disease is epigastric pain, which may be associated with dyspepsia, bloating, abdominal fullness, nausea, or early satiety. Most cases of peptic ulcer disease are associated with Helicobacter pylori infection or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or both. In this review, we discuss the role of proton pump inhibitors in the management of peptic ulcer disease, highlight the latest guidelines about the diagnosis and management of H. pylori, and discuss the latest evidence in the management of complications related to peptic ulcer disease, including endoscopic intervention for peptic ulcer-related bleeding. Timely diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease and its sequelae are crucial in order to minimize associated morbidity and mortality, as is prevention of peptic ulcer disease among patients at high risk, including those infected with H. pylori and users of NSAIDs.

Asia-Pacific working group consensus on non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: an update 2018

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding remains an important emergency condition, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. As endoscopic therapy is the 'gold standard' of management, treatment of these patients can be considered in three stages: pre-endoscopic treatment, endoscopic haemostasis and post-endoscopic management. Since publication of the Asia-Pacific consensus on non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) 7 years ago, there have been significant advancements in the clinical management of patients in all three stages. These include pre-endoscopy risk stratification scores, blood and platelet transfusion, use of proton pump inhibitors; during endoscopy new haemostasis techniques (haemostatic powder spray and over-the-scope clips); and post-endoscopy management by second-look endoscopy and medication strategies. Emerging techniques, including capsule endoscopy and Doppler endoscopic probe in assessing adequacy of endoscopic therapy, and the pre-emptive use of angiographic embolisation, are attracting new attention. An emerging problem is the increasing use of dual antiplatelet agents and direct oral anticoagulants in patients with cardiac and cerebrovascular diseases. Guidelines on the discontinuation and then resumption of these agents in patients presenting with NVUGIB are very much needed. The Asia-Pacific Working Group examined recent evidence and recommends practical management guidelines in this updated consensus statement.

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is bleeding that develops in the oesophagus, stomach or proximal duodenum. Peptic ulcers, caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or use of NSAIDs and low-dose aspirin (LDA), are the most common cause. Although the incidence and mortality associated with NVUGIB have been decreasing owing to considerable advances in the prevention and management of NVUGIB over the past 20 years, it remains a common clinical problem with an annual incidence of ∼67 per 100,000 individuals in the United States in 2012. NVUGIB is a medical emergency, and mortality is in the range ∼1-5%. After resuscitation and initial assessment, early (within 24 hours) diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy together with intragastric pH control with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) form the basis of treatment. With a growing ageing population treated with antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medications, the clinical management of NVUGIB is complex as the risk between gastrointestinal bleeding events and adverse cardiovascular events needs to be balanced. The best clinical approach includes identification of risk factors and prevention of bleeding; available strategies include continuous treatment with PPIs or H. pylori eradication in those at increased risk of developing NVUGIB. Treatment with PPIs and/or use of cyclooxygenase-2-selective NSAIDs should be implemented in those patients at risk of NVUGIB who need NSAIDs and/or LDA.

Management of patients on antithrombotic agents undergoing emergency and elective endoscopy: joint Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE) and Asian Pacific Society for Digestive Endoscopy (APSDE) practice guidelines

This Guideline is a joint official statement of the Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE) and the Asian Pacific Society for Digestive Endoscopy (APSDE). It was developed in response to the increasing use of antithrombotic agents (antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants) in patients undergoing gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy in Asia. After reviewing current practice guidelines in Europe and the USA, the joint committee identified unmet needs, noticed inconsistencies, raised doubts about certain recommendations and recognised significant discrepancies in clinical practice between different regions. We developed this joint official statement based on a systematic review of the literature, critical appraisal of existing guidelines and expert consensus using a two-stage modified Delphi process. This joint APAGE-APSDE Practice Guideline is intended to be an educational tool that assists clinicians in improving care for patients on antithrombotics who require emergency or elective GI endoscopy in the Asian Pacific region.

Advances in the Therapy of Bleeding Peptic Ulcer

Peptic ulcer bleeding remains an important medical emergency. Important recent advances are reviewed. These include further support for a more restrictive transfusion strategy aiming for a target haemoglobin of 70-90 g/L. The Glasgow-Blatchford score remains the most useful assessment score for identifying the lowest risk patients suitable for outpatient management and predicting the need for intervention. Newer scores such as the AIMS65 and Progetto Nazionale Emorragia Digestive score (PNED) may be more accurate in predicting mortality. Pre-endoscopy erythromycin improves outcomes and is underused. A new disposable Doppler probe appears to provide more accurate determination of both rebleeding risk and the success of endoscopic therapy than purely visual guidance. Over-the-scope clips and haemostatic powders appear to have some role as endoscopic salvage therapies. Non- H. pylori, non-aspirin/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ulcers contribute to an increasing percentage of bleeding peptic ulcers and are associated with a high rebleeding rate. The optimal management of these ulcers remains to be determined.

Aspirin Use in Secondary Cardiovascular Protection and the Development of Aspirin-Associated Erosions and Ulcers

Aspirin for secondary cardiovascular disease prevention is well established, but treatment discontinuation, often because of gastrointestinal mucosal injury or symptoms, can lead to increased risk for cardiovascular events. Proton pump inhibitor therapy is recommended for aspirin-treated patients at gastrointestinal risk. PA32540 [enteric-coated aspirin (EC-ASA) 325 mg + immediate-release omeprazole 40 mg] was compared with EC-ASA 325 mg alone once daily for 6 months in 2 duplicate, randomized double-blind trials in gastrointestinal-risk patients taking aspirin for ≥3 months for secondary prevention. In this post hoc analysis, we determined the prevalence of endoscopic upper gastrointestinal ulcers at screening and whether baseline endoscopic gastric erosions impacted subsequent ulcer development. At the screening endoscopy, 6% of subjects had upper gastrointestinal ulcers (not eligible for randomization) and 40% had gastric erosions. Conditional logistic regression modeling showed that baseline gastric erosions are significantly associated with endoscopic gastric ulcer development (OR = 2.12, 95% confidence interval, 1.26-3.57). In subjects with baseline gastric erosion, 4.2% of PA32540-treated versus 13.0% of EC-ASA-treated subjects (P = 0.001) subsequently developed endoscopic gastric ulcers. These data suggest that gastric injury predisposes to gastric ulcer development when taking EC-ASA, and exposure to immediate-release omeprazole in the presence of aspirin therapy significantly reduces the likelihood of progressing to gastric ulcers.

Recent advances in the management of peptic ulcer bleeding

Acute upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage due to peptic ulcer bleeding remains an important cause of emergency presentation and hospital admission. Despite advances in many aspects of management, peptic ulcer bleeding is still associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Comprehensive international guidelines have been published, but advances as well as controversies continue to evolve. Important recent advances include the evidence supporting a more restrictive transfusion strategy aiming for a target haemoglobin of 70-90 g/l. Comparative studies have confirmed that the Glasgow-Blatchford score remains the most useful score for predicting the need for intervention as well as for identifying the lowest-risk patients suitable for outpatient management. New scores, including the AIMS65 and Progetto Nazionale Emorragia Digestiva score, may be more accurate in predicting mortality. Pre-endoscopy erythromycin appears to improve outcomes and is probably underused. High-dose oral proton pump inhibition (PPI) for 11 days after PPI infusion is advantageous in those with a Rockall score of 6 or more. Oral is as effective as parenteral iron at restoring haemoglobin levels after a peptic ulcer bleed and both are superior to placebo in this respect. Within endoscopic techniques, haemostatic powders and over-the-scope clips can be used when other methods have failed. A disposable Doppler probe appears to provide more accurate determination of both rebleeding risk and the success of endoscopic therapy than purely visual guidance. Non- Helicobacter pylori, non-aspirin/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ulcers contribute an increasing percentage of bleeding peptic ulcers and are associated with a poor prognosis and high rebleeding rate. The optimal management of these ulcers remains to be determined.

The budget impact of using enteric-coated aspirin 325 mg + immediate-release omeprazole 40 mg to prevent recurrent cardiovascular events

OBJECTIVE

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid; ASA) is commonly used for secondary prevention of cardiovascular (CV) events, but may be associated with gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events, which can reduce adherence. Use of ASA co-therapy with proton pump inhibitors in patients at risk may be suboptimal. PA32540 (Yosprala™) is a coordinated-delivery tablet combining EC-ASA 325 mg and immediate-release omeprazole 40 mg. The objective of this flexible budget impact model was to project the financial consequences of introducing PA32540 325 mg/40 mg to prevent recurrent CV events, while reducing ASA-associated GI events in US adults.

METHODS

A Markov Model was employed to estimate health state transitions associated with ASA 75-325 mg, ASA 75-325 mg + generic delayed-release omeprazole 40 mg, PA32540, or clopidogrel 75 mg to prevent recurrent CV events. Health states included ulcers, GI bleeding, CV events, and death. Model inputs included demographics, treatment dosages, treatment costs, adverse GI and CV events, and premature death. Data from peer-reviewed literature and censuses enabled appropriate allocation of CV and GI disease prevalence and mortality. The PA32540 non-adherence rate was conservatively set at 20%. PA32540 market share was set to 50%.

RESULTS

The model projected annual savings of $81.0 million to $190.9 million within 1-5 years after PA32540 introduction to the plan, which included 134,558 members at risk for recurrent CV events. These values translate into savings of $602 (year 5) to $1,419 (year 1) per patient per year, and $81 (year 5) to $191 (year 1) per member per year. These values were robust to variations in parameters under a deterministic sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSION

PA32540 use to prevent recurrent CV events was associated with cost reductions in each year examined with the model. From a health plan perspective, PA32540 is likely to have a net overall effect, resulting in significant cost savings.

Reintroduction of anti-thrombotic therapy after a gastrointestinal haemorrhage: if and when?

Gastrointestinal haemorrhage is a common clinical scenario and, in those using antithrombotic agents, the risk is significantly increased. Management of these patients, in terms of initial resuscitation is well established and numerous guidelines exist in this area. However, few studies have addressed the subsequent dilemma of if and when antithrombotic agents should be reintroduced. Consequently, practice is variable and not necessarily evidenced-based. Overall, for patients that are either anticoagulated or using antiplatelet drugs for secondary prophylaxis, there is a clear benefit to restarting these agents. However, there is limited data to guide when this should occur. For individuals at low risk of re-bleeding, current guidelines suggest single agent aspirin can be continued without interruption, assuming haemostatic control has been confirmed endoscopically. For those at higher bleeding risk, aspirin should be withheld, but reintroduced early (within 3 days of index endoscopy). However, randomised evidence is lacking, as are studies including more modern agents or combined anticoagulant/ antiplatelet regimens. As such, guidance statements are limited and management suggestions must be extrapolated from clinical trials, retrospective studies and data relating specifically to warfarin and aspirin. The intention of this review is to summarise what evidence is available and, where this is lacking, suggest pragmatic management options based on a risk-benefit assessment of thromboembolism and recurrent bleeding.

Upper Gastrointestinal Toxicity Associated With Long-Term Aspirin Therapy: Consequences and Prevention

Antiplatelet therapy represents a fundamental part of preventive management for patients who are at risk of a secondary cardiovascular disease (CVD) event. In most cases, the antiplatelet regimen is based on low-dose aspirin, a drug that is highly effective in reducing the incidence of CVD events, but is associated with a substantial risk of gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity. The dyspeptic symptoms, which can result from aspirin administration, and which may occur with or without associated ulceration and bleeding, may lead patients to discontinue therapy, thus increasing their CVD risk. For patients in whom aspirin is indicated and who are deemed to be at increased risk of upper GI events, concomitant therapy with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is currently recommended. These agents are highly effective in reducing the upper GI lesions associated with aspirin therapy and have been associated with increased aspirin adherence. However, widespread under-prescribing of PPIs and potential noncompliance with their use means that substantial numbers of patients are at unnecessary risk of upper GI toxicity and-if aspirin therapy is discontinued-CVD events. Provision of aspirin and an immediate-release PPI as a coordinated-delivery combination tablet has been shown to both reduce the risk of gastric ulcer formation and improve patient compliance. This strategy, which may ultimately reduce the incidence of CVD outcomes because of the associated reduction in GI symptoms and the potential for greater patient adherence to aspirin, warrants further investigation under both randomized controlled conditions (explanatory trials), and in real-life settings (pragmatic trials).

Management of non variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: position statement of the Catalan Society of Gastroenterology

In recent years there have been advances in the management of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding that have helped reduce rebleeding and mortality. This document positioning of the Catalan Society of Digestologia is an update of evidence-based recommendations on management of gastrointestinal bleeding peptic ulcer.

Long-Term Safety of a Coordinated Delivery Tablet of Enteric-Coated Aspirin 325 mg and Immediate-Release Omeprazole 40 mg for Secondary Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Patients at GI Risk

Introduction

In two, 6‐month, randomized, double‐blind Phase 3 trials, PA32540 (enteric‐coated aspirin 325 mg and immediate‐release omeprazole 40 mg) compared to aspirin alone was associated with fewer endoscopic gastric and duodenal ulcers in patients requiring aspirin therapy for secondary cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention who were at risk for upper gastrointestinal (UGI) events.

Aims

In this 12‐month, open‐label, multicenter Phase 3 study, we evaluated the long‐term cardiovascular and gastrointestinal safety of PA32540 in subjects who were taking aspirin 325 mg daily for ≥3 months for secondary CVD prevention and were at risk for aspirin‐associated UGI events. Enrolled subjects received PA32540 once daily for up to 12 months and were assessed at baseline, month 1, month 6, and month 12.

Results

The overall safety population consisted of 379 subjects, and 290 subjects (76%) were on PA32540 for ≥348 days (12‐month completers). Adverse events (AEs) caused study withdrawal in 13.5% of subjects, most commonly gastroesophageal reflux disease (1.1%). Treatment‐emergent AEs occurred in 76% of the safety population (11% treatment‐related) and 73% of 12‐month completers (8% treatment‐related). The most common treatment‐related AE was dyspepsia (2%). One subject had a gastric ulcer observed on for‐cause endoscopy. There were five cases of adjudicated nonfatal myocardial infarction, one nonfatal stroke, and one cardiovascular death, but none considered treatment‐related.

Conclusions

Long‐term treatment with PA32540 once daily for up to 12 months in subjects at risk for aspirin‐associated UGI events is not associated with any new or unexpected safety events.

Bleeding risk of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration in patients undergoing antithrombotic therapy

OBJECTIVES

Bleeding events related to endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) are rare. However, for patients treated with antithrombotic agents, the bleeding risk of EUS-FNA is uncertain. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the bleeding event rate associated with EUS-FNA in patients receiving antithrombotic treatment.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted in 742 consecutive patients who underwent EUS-FNA for solid lesions between 2008 and 2015. We compared the bleeding event rates among patients who were not administered antithrombotic agents, those whose agent use was discontinued, those who continued treatment with aspirin or cilostazol, and those who were administered heparin as a replacement.

RESULTS

There were 131 patients (17.7 %) treated with antithrombotic agents. Seven experienced bleeding events, and the overall bleeding event rate was 0.9 % (7/742). All bleeding events were intraoperative; there were no postoperative bleeding episodes. Subgroup analysis by antithrombotic agent revealed bleeding event rates of 1.0 % (6/611), 0 % (0/62), 1.6 % (1/61), and 0 % (0/8) for the non-administration, discontinuation of agents, continuation of aspirin or cilostazol, and heparin replacement groups, respectively. Only one severe bleeding event necessitated hemostatic treatment (1/742; 0.1 %); this occurred in a patient in the non-administration group, and there were no severe bleeding events in patients receiving antithrombotic treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study found a low incidence of EUS-FNA-related bleeding in patients receiving antithrombotic treatment. The bleeding event rate was low even in patients who underwent EUS-FNA while continuing aspirin or cilostazol.

The feasibility and effect of deprescribing in older adults on mortality and health: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Deprescribing is a suggested intervention to reverse the potential iatrogenic harms of inappropriate polypharmacy. The review aimed to determine whether or not deprescribing is a safe, effective and feasible intervention to modify mortality and health outcomes in older adults.

METHODS

Specified databases were searched from inception to February 2015. Two researchers independently screened all retrieved articles for inclusion, assessed study quality and extracted data. Data were pooled using RevMan v5.3. Eligible studies included those where older adults had at least one medication deprescribed. The primary outcome was mortality. Secondary outcomes were adverse drug withdrawal events, psychological and physical health outcomes, quality of life, and medication usage (e.g. successful deprescribing, number of medications prescribed, potentially inappropriate medication use).

RESULTS

A total of 132 papers met the inclusion criteria, which included 34 143 participants aged 73.8 ± 5.4 years. In nonrandomized studies, deprescribing polypharmacy was shown to significantly decrease mortality (OR 0.32, 95% CI: 0.17-0.60). However, this was not statistically significant in the randomized studies (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.61-1.11). Subgroup analysis revealed patient-specific interventions to deprescribe demonstrated a significant reduction in mortality (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.43-0.88). However, generalized educational programmes did not change mortality (OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.86-1.69).

CONCLUSIONS

Although nonrandomized data suggested that deprescribing reduces mortality, deprescribing was not shown to alter mortality in randomized studies. Mortality was significantly reduced when applying patient-specific interventions to deprescribe in randomized studies.

ACG Clinical Guideline: Management of Patients With Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

This guideline provides recommendations for the management of patients with acute overt lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Hemodynamic status should be initially assessed with intravascular volume resuscitation started as needed. Risk stratification based on clinical parameters should be performed to help distinguish patients at high- and low-risk of adverse outcomes. Hematochezia associated with hemodynamic instability may be indicative of an upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding source and thus warrants an upper endoscopy. In the majority of patients, colonoscopy should be the initial diagnostic procedure and should be performed within 24 h of patient presentation after adequate colon preparation. Endoscopic hemostasis therapy should be provided to patients with high-risk endoscopic stigmata of bleeding including active bleeding, non-bleeding visible vessel, or adherent clot. The endoscopic hemostasis modality used (mechanical, thermal, injection, or combination) is most often guided by the etiology of bleeding, access to the bleeding site, and endoscopist experience with the various hemostasis modalities. Repeat colonoscopy, with endoscopic hemostasis performed if indicated, should be considered for patients with evidence of recurrent bleeding. Radiographic interventions (tagged red blood cell scintigraphy, computed tomographic angiography, and angiography) should be considered in high-risk patients with ongoing bleeding who do not respond adequately to resuscitation and who are unlikely to tolerate bowel preparation and colonoscopy. Strategies to prevent recurrent bleeding should be considered. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use should be avoided in patients with a history of acute lower GI bleeding, particularly if secondary to diverticulosis or angioectasia. Patients with established high-risk cardiovascular disease should not stop aspirin therapy (secondary prophylaxis) in the setting of lower GI bleeding. [corrected]. The exact timing depends on the severity of bleeding, perceived adequacy of hemostasis, and the risk of a thromboembolic event. Surgery for the prevention of recurrent lower gastrointestinal bleeding should be individualized, and the source of bleeding should be carefully localized before resection.

Risk of Vascular Thrombotic Events Following Discontinuation of Antithrombotics After Peptic Ulcer Bleeding

GOALS

To evaluate whether the risk of cardiovascular events increases when antithrombotics are discontinued after ulcer bleeding.

BACKGROUND

Peptic ulcer bleeding associated with antithrombotics has increased due to the increase in the proportion of elderly population. Little is known about the long-term effects of discontinuing antithrombotics after peptic ulcer bleeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the risk of cardiovascular events increases when antithrombotics are discontinued after ulcer bleeding.

STUDY

We reviewed the medical records of patients with ulcer bleeding who were taking antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants at the time of ulcer bleeding. Cox-regression model was used to adjust for potential confounders, and analyzed association between discontinuation of antithrombotic drugs after ulcer bleeding and thrombotic events such as ischemic heart disease or stroke.

RESULTS

Of the 544 patients with ulcer bleeding, 72 patients who were taking antithrombotics and followed up for >2 months were analyzed. Forty patients discontinued antithrombotics after ulcer bleeding (discontinuation group) and 32 patients continued antithrombotics with or without transient interruption (continuation group). Thrombotic events developed more often in discontinuation group than in the continuation group [7/32 (21.9%) vs. 1/40 (2.5%), P=0.019]. Hazard ratio for thrombotic event when antithrombotics were continuously discontinued was 10.9 (95% confidence interval, 1.3-89.7). There were no significant differences in recurrent bleeding events between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Discontinuation of antithrombotics after peptic ulcer bleeding increases the risk of cardiovascular events. Therefore, caution should be taken when discontinuing antithrombotics after ulcer bleeding.

The effect of statins on the occurrence of peptic ulcer

BACKGROUND

This study was to determine the association between the use of statins and the occurrence of peptic ulcer diseases (PUD).

METHODS

Using the National Health Insurance Research Database to conduct a population-based cohort study. We identified 48,562 patients who were newly diagnosed with hyperlipidemia during the period of 1998 to 2011 and who were divided into two groups based on their use of statins. The non-statin cohort (without statin treatment, 24,139 patients) were 1:1 frequency matched with sex, age, year of diagnosis of hyperlipidemia and index-year to the statin cohort (24,423 patients). The relative risk of patients with and without statins treatment on the occurrence of PUD and concomitant use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin were analyzed using the univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model.

RESULTS

The incidence of PUD increased with age in both cohorts and female had a higher occurrence rate than male in both cohorts. Compared with the non-statin cohort, the statin cohort was associated with a significant lower risk of PUD for all age group. The concomitant use of aspirin and/or NSAIDs had higher incidence of PUD than those without in both cohorts. Analyzing the cumulative defined daily dose (DDD) of statins indicated that high-dose groups (≧ 575 DDD) exhibited significantly decreased risk compared with non-statin users.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicated that statins might be associated with the protection of peptic ulcer in a dose-respondent manner.

Management of low-dose aspirin and clopidogrel in clinical practice: a gastrointestinal perspective

Low-dose aspirin, alone or combined with other antiplatelet agents, is increasingly prescribed for cardiovascular prevention. However, the cardiovascular benefits should be evaluated together with the gastrointestinal risks. Low-dose aspirin is associated with upper and lower gastrointestinal injury, although lower gastrointestinal effects are poorly characterized. This gastrointestinal risk differs among antiplatelets drugs users. The most important risk factors are history of peptic ulcer, older age, and concomitant use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or dual antiplatelet therapy. Effective upper gastrointestinal prevention strategies are available and should be used in at-risk patients taking low-dose aspirin or clopidogrel. Proton pump inhibitors seem to be the best gastroprotective agents, whereas the benefits of Helicobacter pylori eradication are still unclear. Low-dose aspirin has additional effects in the gastrointestinal tract. A large body of evidence indicates that it can protect against different cancers, in particular colorectal cancer. This effect could modify the future indications for use of low-dose aspirin and the risk-benefit balance.

Endoscopic management of acute peptic ulcer bleeding

This review discusses the indications, technical aspects, and comparative effectiveness of the endoscopic treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding caused by peptic ulcer. Pre-endoscopic considerations, such as the use of prokinetics and timing of endoscopy, are reviewed. In addition, this article examines aspects of postendoscopic care such as the effectiveness, dosing, and duration of postendoscopic proton-pump inhibitors, Helicobacter pylori testing, and benefits of treatment in terms of preventing rebleeding; and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiplatelet agents, and oral anticoagulants, including direct thrombin and Xa inhibitors, following acute peptic ulcer bleeding.

PA32540 (a coordinated-delivery tablet of enteric-coated aspirin 325 mg and immediate-release omeprazole 40 mg) versus enteric-coated aspirin 325 mg alone in subjects at risk for aspirin-associated gastric ulcers: results of two 6-month, phase 3 studies

BACKGROUND

Discontinuations and/or interruptions in aspirin therapy for secondary cardioprotection due to upper gastrointestinal (UGI) complications or symptoms have been shown to increase the risk for subsequent cardiovascular events. PA32540 is a coordinated-delivery, combination tablet consisting of enteric-coated aspirin (EC-ASA) 325 mg and immediate-release (IR) omeprazole 40 mg.

METHODS

Two identically-designed, 6-month, randomized, double-blind trials evaluated PA32540 vs. EC-ASA 325 mg in a secondary cardiovascular disease prevention population taking aspirin 325 mg daily for ≥3 months and at risk for ASA-associated gastric ulcers (GUs). The combined study population was 1049 subjects (524 randomized to PA32540, 525 to EC-ASA 325 mg). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of endoscopically-determined gastric ulceration over 6 months. Safety outcomes included the rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and UGI symptoms.

RESULTS

Significantly fewer PA32540-treated subjects (3.2%) developed endoscopic GUs vs. EC-ASA 325 mg-treated subjects (8.6%) (P < .001). Overall occurrence of MACE was low (2.1%), with no significant differences between treatments in types or incidence of MACE. PA32540-treated subjects had significantly fewer UGI symptoms (P < .001) and significantly fewer discontinuations due to pre-specified UGI adverse events (1.5% vs. 8.2%, respectively; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

PA32540 reduced the incidence of endoscopic GUs compared to EC-ASA 325 mg, but with a similar cardiovascular event profile. Due to fewer UGI symptoms, continuation on aspirin therapy was greater in the PA32540 treatment arm.

Severe bleeding after percutaneous transhepatic drainage of the biliary system: effect of antithrombotic agents--analysis of 34 606 cases from a Japanese nationwide administrative database

PURPOSE

To investigate the relationship between antithrombotic agents (antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants) and severe bleeding after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) for biliary obstruction, or cholecystostomy for acute cholecystitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study was institutional review board-approved, and patient consent was waived. Between July 2007 and March 2012, 34 606 patients who underwent PTBD (23 375 patients) or cholecystostomy (11 231 patients) were identified in the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database covering 1119 Japanese hospitals. The association between oral administration of antithrombotic agents prior to the procedure and severe bleeding was evaluated, with adjustment for other potential risk factors, such as age, chronic renal failure, liver cirrhosis, and procedure type. Users of antithrombotic agents were categorized as the continuation group, when they took these agents on the procedure day, or as the discontinuation group, when none were taken. Severe bleeding was defined as bleeding which required red blood cell transfusion or transcatheter arterial embolization within 3 days of the procedure. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models fitted with generalized estimating equations were performed to evaluate the effect of antithrombotic agents on the bleeding complication.

RESULTS

Overall, 780 of 34 606 patients (2.3%) experienced severe bleeding. In the multivariate model, continuation of antiplatelet agents was significantly associated with severe bleeding versus nonuse (odds ratio [OR], 1.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14, 3.05; P = .013), whereas discontinuation of antiplatelet agents showed no association (OR, 0.92; 95% CI: 0.70, 1.20; P = .517). The effect of neither continuation nor discontinuation of anticoagulants on severe bleeding was significant. Other significant risk factors for bleeding included older age, chronic renal failure, liver cirrhosis, academic hospital, and PTBD.

CONCLUSION

The continuation of antiplatelet agents can increase severe bleeding after percutaneous transhepatic drainage, whereas the effect of continuation of anticoagulants was inconclusive.

Severe bleeding and perforation are rare complications of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration for pancreatic masses: an analysis of 3,090 patients from 212 hospitals

Background/Aims

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is useful for the pathological diagnosis of pancreatic masses, but patients are susceptible to severe bleeding and perforation. Because the incidence and severity of these complications have not been fully evaluated.

Methods

We aimed to evaluate severe bleeding and perforation after EUS-FNA for pancreatic masses using large-scale data derived from a Japanese nationwide administrative database.

Results

In total, 3,090 consecutive patients from 212 low- to high-volume hospitals were analyzed. Severe bleeding requiring transfusion or endoscopic treatment occurred in seven patients (0.23%), and no perforation was observed. No patient mortality was recorded within 30 days of EUS-FNA. The rate of severe bleeding in low-volume hospitals was significantly higher than that in medium- and high-volume hospitals (0.48% vs 0.10%, p=0.045).

Conclusions

Severe bleeding and perforation following EUS-FNA for pancreatic masses are rare, and the procedure is safe.