Challenges in the management of acute peptic ulcer bleeding

Emergency pancreatoduodenectomy for non-traumatic conditions: a case series analysis

BACKGROUND

Emergency pancreaticoduodenectomy (EPD) is an uncommon abdominal surgical procedure primarily performed in patients with severe acute abdominal trauma. Performing EPD requires strict surgical criteria, advanced technical expertise, and comprehensive postoperative management. Limited research exists regarding the indications for non-traumatic EPD. Thus, the objective of this study was to synthesize and analyze recent cases of non-traumatic EPD, thereby enhancing the comprehension of this urgent surgical measure.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent non-traumatic EPD at the 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army from January 2013 to September 2023. The study assessed preoperative etiologies, intraoperative findings, postoperative complications, and prognosis. Additionally, a literature review was performed.

RESULTS

Nine patients underwent non-traumatic EPD. All patients demonstrated clear indications for emergency surgery: three cases of gastrointestinal hemorrhage secondary to ulcerative lesions, three cases of perforation (n = 2) and bleeding (n = 1) following invasive endoscopic procedures for neoplastic lesions, two cases of tumor rupture-related hemorrhage, and one case of postoperative anastomotic bleeding. All patients completed the surgical procedure. The operative duration ranged from 185.0 to 480.0 min, with a mean of 299.9 ± 83.3 min, and intraoperative blood loss ranged from 100.0 to 6,000.0 ml, with a mean of 1,477.8 ± 1,944.7 ml. Postoperative pathology revealed that 3 cases involved benign ulcerative lesions of the digestive tract and 6 cases involved neoplastic lesions in the pancreaticoduodenal region. One patient died 6 days postoperatively due to multiple organ failure, another died 42 days postoperatively due to tumor progression, and the remaining 7 patients recovered and were discharged, with a postoperative hospital stay of 17-45 days, mean 36.3 ± 10.5 days. Postoperative complications occurred in six patients (85.7%), including pancreatic fistula, biliary fistula, and abdominal infection, all of which resolved with conservative management.

CONCLUSION

In cases of non-traumatic emergencies in the pancreaticoduodenal region where conservative or minimally invasive treatments fail to control the acute progression, EPD serves as a critical surgical intervention that may save lives and yield favorable outcomes.

Non-epinephrine monotherapy matches combination therapy in high-risk PUB patients

Currently, there is no clear indication in the guidelines whether non-epinephrine injection monotherapy requires the addition of epinephrine for hemostasis.The purpose of this study is to compare the hemostatic efficacy of non-epinephrine injection monotherapy with combination therapy including extra epinephrine injection for peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) patients . We retrospectively analyzed PUB patients who underwent endoscopic non-epinephrine injection as a monotherapy or combined non-epinephrine injection with epinephrine injection treatment in our center from March 2014 to January 2023 and the patients were divided into MT group or CT group. Subsequently, a propensity score matching analysis (PSM) was performed and rebleeding rates were calculated according to Forrest classifications via a stratified analysis. A total of 548 eligible patients were included in this study. After PSM, for PUB patients with nonbleeding visible vessels(FIIa), the recurrent bleeding rates by Days 3, 7, 14, and 30 after PSM were 17.6%, 26.5%, 27.9%, and 27.9% in the MT group, respectively, and rates were 1.4%, 5.6%, 6.9%, and 6.9% in the CT group, respectively, with significant differences observed between the 2 groups (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively).However, for PUB patients with spurting bleeding, oozing bleeding, and adherent clots, there were no significant differences between the two groups. For PUB patients with spurting bleeding(FIa) and oozing bleeding (FIb) ulcers, non-epinephrine injection monotherapy and epinephrine injection combined therapy have similar hemostatic efficacy. However, for PUB patients with visible blood vessel (FIIa) ulcers, combined therapy has higher hemostatic efficacy than non-epinephrine injection monotherapy.

Efficacy of hemostatic powder monotherapy versus conventional endoscopic treatment for nonvariceal GI bleeding: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hemostatic powder (HP) is a novel hemostasis modality for nonvariceal GI bleeding. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy of HP monotherapy versus conventional endoscopic treatment (CET) for nonvariceal GI bleeding.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched from inception to October 16, 2023. The primary outcomes were the initial hemostatic rate and the 30-day recurrent bleeding rate. After the meta-analysis, a trial sequential analysis (TSA) was also conducted to decrease the risk of random errors and validate the result.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 8 studies, incorporating 653 patients in total. Given significant heterogeneity, all analyses were segregated into malignancy-related and nonmalignancy-related GI bleeding lesions. For the former, HP monotherapy significantly improved the initial hemostasis rate and 30-day recurrent bleeding rate compared with CET (relative risk [RR], 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28-1.75; P < .001; RR, .32; 95% CI, .12-.86; P = .02, respectively), and TSA supported the results. For nonmalignancy-related GI bleeding, HP monotherapy and CET have similar initial hemostasis and 30-day recurrent bleeding rates (RR, 1.08; 95% CI, .98-1.19; P = .11; RR, 1.15; 95% CI, .46-2.90; P = .76, respectively), but the TSA failed to confirm the results.

CONCLUSIONS

HP monotherapy surpassed CET in terms of the initial hemostasis rate and 30-day recurrent bleeding rate for patients with malignancy-related GI bleeding. However, their relative efficacy for nonmalignancy-related GI bleeding remains unresolved.

Over-the-scope clips vs standard endoscopic interventions for first-line treatment of NVUGI bleeding: Meta-analysis of randomized trials

Background and study aims Recently, over-the-scope clips (OTSCs) have been extensively studied for hemostasis of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB). Our goal was to compare the efficacy of OTSCs with standard endoscopic interventions (SEIs) as first-line treatments. Patients and methods A comprehensive search of electronic databases was performed to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing OTSCs with SEIs as first-line therapy for NVUGIB. This search was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results Of 819 reviewed studies, five RCTs comprising 555 patients (277 OTSCs vs. 278 SEIs) were included. The OTSC group had a lower 30-day rebleeding rate (risk ratio [RR] 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.24-0.77; I² = 0%; P = 0.004) and a higher clinical success rate (RR 1.19; 95% CI 1.11-1.28; I² = 0%; P < 0.00001). There was no significant difference in technical success (RR 1.06; 95% CI 0.98-1.14; I² = 73%; P = 0.13), 30-day all-cause mortality (RR 0.50; 95% CI 0.22-1.14; I² = 0%; P = 0.10), need for further intervention (RR 1.22; 95% CI 0.43-3.47; I² = 0%; P = 0.71), or length of hospital stay (mean difference 0.31; 95% CI: -1.08- 1.70; I² = 0%; P = 0.66). Risk of bias, which was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool, indicated some concerns about bias. Conclusions OTSCs are more efficient than SEIs as first-line treatment in terms of rebleeding within 30 days and clinical success rates.

Myristica fragrans water extract modulates multiple biological processes to pre-protect anhydrous ethanol-induced gastric ulcers via Akt/JNK/Nrf2 pathway activation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg) is a commonly used Chinese herbal medicine and edible spice. According to Pharmacopoeia of People's Republic of China, it has the effects of warming the middle and promoting qi, astringent intestines, and antidiarrheal. In the record of Compendium of Materia Medica, it is the myristica fragrans water extract (MFWE) that is utilized for therapeutic purposes of gastrointestinal disorders frequently.

RESEARCH PURPOSE

This study is to investigate the pharmacodynamic material foundation and molecular mechanism of myristica fragrans on gastric ulcers using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS with network pharmacology and experimental verification. This may provide theoretical guidance for the clinical use of myristica fragrans, and support a theoretical foundation for its future advancement into natural functional products that can relieve acute gastric ulcers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using UHPLC/MS technology and network pharmacology, we identified possible active chemicals molecules, screened out core targets and core pathways, and simulated drug target binding through molecular docking situations. Acute gastric ulcer was caused by intragastric administration of absolute ethanol (0.075 ml/10g). Myristica fragrans water extract (182 mg/kg and 364 mg/kg) was administered orally 14 days in advance. The same method was used to distribute 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose solution into the Model and Control group. The mice were murdered on the 15th day. Following the sacrifice, the gastric tissue was removed for histological analysis. The tissue needs to detect levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-6 as well as the activity of SOD, GSH-Px, MDA, and MPO. In addition, H&E staining and the TUNEL method were used to observe the effect on the gastric mucosa of mice. Western blot was used to detect apoptosis, ferroptosis, and antioxidation-related proteins.

RESULTS

A total of 10 chemical constituents were identified from MFWE using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS/MS and TCMSP database. Through the network pharmacological analysis of these identified components, it was discovered that the protective effect is mainly carried out by six compounds, they are: Myristicin, Myrisligna, Ferulaldehyde, Dehydrodiisoeugenol, 7-Methoxy-4-methylcoumarin, 1,5-Bis(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl) pentane-1,5-dione. Furthermore, MFWE was found to significantly reduce TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, increase IL-10, and alleviate the inflammation caused by alcoholic gastric ulcers. It can lower MDA and MPO, raise SOD and GSH-Px to relieve oxidative stress. Results from network pharmacology indicated that the Akt, JNK, and apoptosis signaling pathways were essential for the therapeutic effects of MFWE on gastric ulcers. Further literature research revealed that Nrf2 and ferroptosis signaling pathways may be related to the role of MFWE. Molecular biology studies confirmed that MFWE decreased the expression levels of p-Akt/Akt, p-JNK/JNK, Bax, and Keap-1, and increased the expression levels of Bcl-2, Nrf2, HO-1, SLC7A11, GPX4, FTH1.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that MFWE can alleviate inflammatory responses and diminish both cellular apoptosis and ferroptosis. they confer a protective effect on gastric ulcers via the activation of the Akt/JNK-Keap1-Nrf2-HO-1 signaling pathway and offer a promising therapeutic strategy.

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Retrospective, Single-Center Experience on the Role of Endoscopy and Outcomes

Background

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common and potentially fatal medical emergency. This study aimed to investigate the frequency, causes, outcomes, and efficacy of endoscopy in the treatment of UGIB at King Fahad Central Hospital in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

Between January 2017 and December 2023, a retrospective study was performed including all hospitalized patients with UGIB. This research investigated sociodemographic characteristics, clinical history, endoscopic findings, treatment options, and results using statistical analysis, which included both descriptive and inferential approaches.

Results

The study included 483 patients (of which 74.1% men), with a mean age of 53.9 ± 19.5 years. Hematemesis was observed in 67.5% of the patients, whereas melena occurred in 49.7% of the cases. Two-hundred sixty-two (54.2%) patients underwent endoscopy within the first 24 h from presentation. The most frequent endoscopic findings were esophageal varices (52.2%) and duodenal ulcers (21.7%). Bandings accounted for 48.0% of all endoscopic procedures, whereas 36.9% of the patients received epinephrine injections along with endoclips. Medical therapy mostly consisted of a mix of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and octreotide. A significant minority (43.5%) of the patients stayed in the hospital for 1 - 3 days, while 59.6% did not need blood transfusions. During the first 3 days, 7% of patients experienced rebleeding, with a 6% mortality rate. Using multivariate regression analysis, rebleeding was strongly associated with initial presentation with shock (P < 0.001), renal disease (P = 0.01), and increased transfusion requirement (P = 0.001). Mortality was strongly associated with steroid usage (P = 0.007), increasing transfusion requirements (P < 0.0001), and rebleeding (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Timely endoscopy and proper treatment dramatically improved UGIB results. Identifying those who are at high risk and acting swiftly is a critical step in reducing the likelihood of recurrent bleeding and fatality.

Turn over the new leaf of the treatment in peptic ulcer bleeding: a review of the literature

Peptic ulcer bleeding is the most common cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which has a high mortality risk. The standard therapy for acute peptic ulcer bleeding combines medication administration and endoscopic therapies. Both pharmacologic and endoscopic therapies have developed continuously in the past few decades. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) already reached a high efficacy in ulcer healing and have been widely used in the past few decades. Endoscopic hemostasis, which includes local epinephrine injection, heater probe coagulation, use of hemostatic clips, and/or band ligation, is highly effective with an overall hemostatic success rate of 85%-90%. However, 10%-20% of patients could not be cured by the current standard combination treatment. Recurrent ulcer bleeding, despite an initial successful hemostasis, is also a big problem for longer hospitalization stays, higher mortality, and higher complication rates, especially for malignant ulcer bleeding. How to manage all types of peptic ulcer bleeding and how to prevent early recurrent peptic ulcer bleeding remain unresolved clinical problems. Recently, several novel medications and endoscopic methods have been developed. Potassium competitive acid blockers have shown a stronger and longer acid suppression than PPI. Hemostatic powder spray and hemostatic gel emulsion are novel hemostatic weapons with emerging evidence, which are potential missing pieces of the puzzle. This literature review will go through the development of endoscopic hemostasis to the prospects of novel endoscopic treatments.

Importance of risk assessment, endoscopic hemostasis, and recent advancements in the management of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (ANVUGIB) is a common medical emergency in clinical practice. While the incidence has significantly reduced, the mortality rates have not undergone a similar reduction in the last few decades, thus presenting a significant challenge. This editorial outlines the key causes and risk factors of ANVUGIB and explores the current standards and recent updates in risk assessment scoring systems for predicting mortality and endoscopic treatments for achieving hemostasis. Since ANUVGIB predominantly affects the elderly population, the impact of comorbidities may be responsible for the poor outcomes. A thorough drug history is important due to the increasing use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants in the elderly. Early risk stratification plays a crucial role in deciding the line of management and predicting mortality. Emerging scoring systems such as the ABC (age, blood tests, co-morbidities) score show promise in predicting mortality and guiding clinical decisions. While conventional endoscopic therapies remain cornerstone approaches, novel techniques like hemostatic powders and over-the-scope clips offer promising alternatives, particularly in cases refractory to traditional modalities. By integrating validated scoring systems and leveraging novel therapeutic modalities, clinicians can enhance patient care and mitigate the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with ANVUGIB.

The use of cap-mounted clips as a primary hemostatic modality in nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

BACKGROUND

Cap-mounted-clips, especially Over-The-Scope-Clip (OTSC™), are recommended for recurrent nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB). There has been recent interest in their use as an initial hemostatic modality. We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing cap-mounted clips' efficacy as a primary hemostatic modality in NVUGIB.

METHODS

A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Science databases up to April 2024 identified RCTs comparing cap-mounted clips to standard endoscopic therapy (SET) as a primary hemostatic modality in NVUGIB. The primary endpoint was the composite outcome of further bleeding (persistent or recurrent) at 30 days. Secondary outcomes included persistent bleeding at index endoscopy and 30-day rebleeding, individually. Other pertinent outcomes were also recorded. A meta-analysis was performed to determine pooled risk ratios (RRs), comparing cap-mounted clip to SET. Out of 516 citations, five RCTs (n = 555), all assessing OTSC™, were included.

RESULTS

The composite outcome of further bleeding was lower with cap-mounted clip versus SET (RR = 0.33 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.20-0.54]). There was no difference in persistent bleeding at initial endoscopy (RR = 0.30 [95% CI: 0.07-1.30]), but 30-day rebleeding was lower with cap-mounted clip (RR = 0.38 [95% CI: 0.21-0.70]). There were no differences in other outcomes. Grading of the evidence ranged from very low to moderate, mainly due to risk of bias and imprecision.

CONCLUSIONS

Cap-mounted clips may be an efficacious primary hemostatic modality, associated with a lower further bleeding at 30 days compared to SET in NVUGIB. However, due to limitations in existing evidence, further research must better characterize an optimal subgroup of patients benefiting most from this approach before adopting its routine use.

Medical therapy has similar hemostatic efficacy with endoscopic treatment for PUB patients with adherent clot (FIIb ulcers)

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is no clear consensus on whether medical treatment or endoscopic treatment should be used for peptic ulcer bleeding patients with adherent clot. The aim of this study is to investigate the hemostatic effects of medical treatment, single endoscopic treatment, and combination endoscopic treatment for peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) patients with adherent clot.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed PUB patients with adherent clot who underwent endoscopic examination or treatment in our center from March 2014 to January 2023 and received intravenous administration of proton pump inhibitors. Patients were divided into medical treatment (MT) group, single endoscopic treatment (ST) group, and combined endoscopic treatment (CT) group. Subsequently, inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was performed to calculate the rebleeding rate.

RESULTS

A total of 605 eligible patients were included in this study. After IPTW, the rebleeding rate in the MT group on days 3, 7, 14, and 30 were 13.3 (7.3), 14.2 (7.8), 14.5 (7.9), and 14.5 (7.9), respectively; the rebleeding rates in the ST group were 17.4 (5.1), 20.8 (6.1), 20.8 (6.1), and 20.8 (6.1), respectively; the rebleeding rates in the CT group were 0.4 (0.9), 1.7 (3.3), 2.3 (4.5), and 2.3 (4.5), respectively. Although the rebleeding rate in the medical treatment group was higher, there was no significant difference among the three groups on days 3, 7, 14, and 30 (P = 0.132, 0.442, 0.552, and 0.552).

CONCLUSIONS

Medical therapy has similar hemostatic efficacy with endoscopic treatment for PUB patients with adherent clot (FIIb ulcers). However, for patients with more risk factors and access to well-equipped endoscopy centers, endoscopic treatment may be considered. The choice of treatment approach should be based on the individual conditions of the patient, as well as other factors such as medical resources available.

Clinical characteristics of acute non-varicose upper gastrointestinal bleeding and the effect of endoscopic hemostasis

BACKGROUND

Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (ANVUGIB) constitutes a prevalent emergency within Gastroenterology, encompassing 80%-90% of all gastrointestinal hemorrhage incidents. This condition is distinguished by its abrupt onset, swift progression, and notably elevated mortality rate.

AIM

To gather clinical data from patients with ANVUGIB at our hospital in order to elucidate the clinical characteristics specific to our institution and analyze the therapeutic effectiveness of endoscopic hemostasis.

METHODS

We retrospectively retrieved the records of 532 patients diagnosed with ANVUGIB by endoscopy at our hospital between March 2021 and March 2023, utilizing our medical record system. Data pertaining to general patient information, etiological factors, disease outcomes, and other relevant variables were meticulously collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Among the 532 patients diagnosed with ANVUGIB, the male-to-female ratio was 2.91:1, with a higher prevalence among males. Notably, 43.6% of patients presented with black stool as their primary complaint, while 27.4% had hematemesis as their initial symptom. Upon admission, 17% of patients exhibited both hematemesis and black stool, while most ANVUGIB patients primarily complained of overt gastrointestinal bleeding. Urgent routine blood examinations at admission revealed that 75.8% of patients had anemia, with 63.4% experiencing moderate to severe anemia, and 1.5% having extremely severe anemia (hemoglobin < 30 g/L). With regard to etiology, 53.2% of patients experienced bleeding without a definitive trigger, 24.2% had a history of using gastric mucosa-irritating medications, 24.2% developed bleeding after alcohol consumption, 2.8% attributed it to improper diet, 1.7% to emotional excitement, and 2.3% to fatigue preceding the bleeding episode. Drug-induced ANVUGIB was more prevalent in the elderly than middle-aged and young individuals, while bleeding due to alcohol consumption showed the opposite trend. Additionally, diet-related bleeding was more common among the young age group compared to the middle-aged group. Gastrointestinal endoscopy identified peptic ulcers as the most frequent cause of ANVUGIB (73.3%), followed by gastrointestinal malignancies (10.9%), acute gastric mucous lesions (9.8%), and androgenic upper gastrointestinal bleeding (1.5%) among inpatients with ANVUGIB. Of the 532 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, 68 underwent endoscopic hemostasis, resulting in an endoscopic treatment rate of 12.8%, with a high immediate hemostasis success rate of 94.1%.

CONCLUSION

ANVUGIB patients exhibit diverse characteristics across different age groups, and endoscopic hemostatic treatments have demonstrated remarkable efficacy.

Comparison of a Polysaccharide Hemostatic Powder and Conventional Therapy for Peptic Ulcer Bleeding

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Hemostatic powders have been clinically used in the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding. We investigated the non-inferiority of a polysaccharide hemostatic powder (PHP), compared with conventional endoscopic treatments, for peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB).

METHODS

This study was a prospective multi-center, randomized, open-label, controlled trial at 4 referral institutions. We consecutively enrolled patients who had undergone emergency endoscopy for PUB. The patients were randomly assigned to either a PHP or conventional treatment group. In the PHP group, diluted epinephrine was injected, and the powder was applied as a spray. Conventional endoscopic treatment included the use of electrical coagulation or hemoclipping after injection of diluted epinephrine.

RESULTS

Between July 2017 and May 2021, 216 patients were enrolled in this study (PHP group, 105; control group, 111). Initial hemostasis was achieved in 92 of 105 patients (87.6%) in the PHP group and 96 of 111 patients (86.5%) in the conventional treatment group. Re-bleeding did not differ between the 2 groups. In subgroup analysis, the initial hemostasis failure rate in the conventional treatment group was 13.6% for Forrest IIa cases; however, there was no initial hemostasis failure in the PHP group (P = .023). Large ulcer size (≥15 mm) and chronic kidney disease with dialysis were independent risk factors for re-bleeding at 30 days. No adverse events were associated with PHP use.

CONCLUSIONS

PHP is not inferior to conventional treatments and could be useful in initial endoscopic treatment for PUB. Further studies are needed to confirm the re-bleeding rate of PHP.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov, Number: NCT02717416).

A nomogram to predict in-hospital mortality of gastrointestinal bleeding patients in the intensive care unit

Background

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a common condition in clinical practice, and predictive models for patients with GIB have been developed. However, assessments of in-hospital mortality due to GIB in the intensive care unit (ICU), especially in critically ill patients, are still lacking. This study was designed to screen out independent predictive factors affecting in-hospital mortality and thus establish a predictive model for clinical use.

Methods

This retrospective study included 1,442 patients with GIB who had been admitted to the ICU. They were selected from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) 1.0 database and divided into a training group and a validation group in a ratio of 7:3. The main outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. Least absolute shrinkage and section operator (LASSO) regression was used to screen out independent predictors and create a nomogram.

Results

LASSO regression picked out nine independent predictors: heart rate (HR), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), acute physiology score III (APSIII), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), cerebrovascular disease, acute kidney injury (AKI), norepinephrine, vasopressin, and dopamine. Our model proved to have excellent predictive value with regard to in-hospital mortality (the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.906 and 0.881 in the training and validation groups, respectively), as well as a good outcome on a decision curve analysis to assess net benefit.

Conclusion

Our model effectively predicts in-hospital mortality in patients with GIB, indicating that it may prove to be a valuable tool in future clinical practice.

Epinephrine injection monotherapy shows similar hemostatic efficacy to epinephrine injection combined therapy in high-risk patients (Forrest Ib) with bleeding ulcers

BACKGROUND

Whether combination therapy has higher hemostatic efficacy than epinephrine injection monotherapy in different Forrest classifications is not clear. This study aimed to compare hemostatic efficacy between epinephrine injection monotherapy (MT) and combination therapy (CT) based on different Forrest classifications.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) patients who underwent endoscopic epinephrine injections or epinephrine injections combined with a second therapy between March 2014 and June 2022 in our center, and the patients were divided into MT group or CT group. Subsequently, a propensity score matching analysis (PSM) was performed and rebleeding rates were calculated according to Forrest classifications via a stratified analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 605 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included, and after PSM, 173 patients in each of the CT and MT groups were included. For PUB patients with nonbleeding visible vessels (FIIa), the rebleeding rates by Days 3, 7, 14, and 30 after PSM were 8.8%, 17.5%, 19.3%, and 19.3% in the MT group, respectively, and rates were 0%, 4.1%, 5.5%, and 5.5% in the CT group, respectively, with significant differences observed between the two groups by Days 3, 7, 14, and 30 (P = 0.015, P = 0.011, P = 0.014, and P = 0.014, respectively). However, for PUB patients with oozing bleeding (FIb), the rebleeding rates by Days 3, 7, 14, and 30 after PSM were 14.9%, 16.2%, 17.6%, and 17.6% in the MT group, respectively, and rates were 13.2%, 14.7%, 14.7%, and 16.2% in the CT group, respectively, with no significant differences observed between the two groups by Days 3, 7, 14, and 30 (P = 0.78, P = 0.804, P = 0.644 and P = 0.825).

CONCLUSION

Combined therapy has higher hemostatic efficacy than epinephrine injection monotherapy for PUB patients with visible blood vessel (FIIa) ulcers. However, epinephrine injection monotherapy is equally as effective as combined therapy for PUB patients with oozing blood (FIb) ulcers.

Efficacy and safety of proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists in the initial non‑eradication treatment of duodenal ulcer: A network meta‑analysis

The present network meta-analysis aimed to enhance the corresponding evidence with respect to the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals treatments. Frequentist network meta-analysis was used. Medical literature up to November 2022 was searched for randomized clinical trials assessing the efficacy and safety of these pharmaceuticals, either compared with each other or compared with placebo. With the exception of ranitidine (300 mg four times daily) and vonoprazan (20 mg once daily) having lower safety than placebo, the efficacy and safety of the remaining treatments were superior to placebo. Cimetidine (400 mg four times daily) and pantoprazole (40 mg once daily) were ranked first in terms of efficacy. The frequentist network meta-analysis shows that for cimetidine (except 400 mg once daily), famotidine, rabeprazole, ilaprazole, lansoprazole (except 7.5 mg once daily) and omeprazole (except 10 mg once daily or 30 mg once daily), the efficacy comparison between the different doses of each of the aforementioned pharmaceuticals did not indicate statistically significant differences. In conclusion, pantoprazole (40 mg once daily) was the best choice for the initial non-eradication treatment of patients with duodenal ulcer, and cimetidine (400 mg twice daily), omeprazole (20 mg once daily), lansoprazole (15 mg once daily), ilaprazole (5 mg once daily) and rabeprazole (10 mg once daily) could be used as the first choice. If the aforementioned pharmaceuticals cannot be prescribed, famotidine (40 mg twice daily) is recommended.

Endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection therapy for refractory high-risk peptic ulcer bleeding by conventional endoscopic therapy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection therapy for refractory high-risk peptic ulcer bleeding by conventional endoscopic therapy.

METHODS

154 patients with refractory high-risk peptic ulcer bleeding by conventional endoscopic therapy at the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical Univesity and the People's Hospital of Liupanshui City from January 2018 to December 2021were enrolled in this study. Endoscopic intracellular cyanoacrylate injection was first carried out. When failure, perintravascullar injection was carried out. The data were retrospectively collected.

RESULTS

Among the 154 patients, 102 patients (66.23%) obtained successful intravascular injection and perivascular injection was performed in 52 patients (33.77%). Immediate hemostatic rate for active bleeding achieved 93.18%. Overall rebleeding rate within 30 days was 12.99% and successful hemostasis rate achieved 87.01%. Immediate hemostatic rate and successful hemostasis rate in intravascular injection patients were markedly superior over perivascular injection. Rebleeding rate in intravascular injection patients was markedly lower than that in perivascular injection patients. 14 patients complicated abdominal pain and no other complication occurred.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection therapy, especial intravascular injection, was effective and safe, with high successful hemostasis rate for refractory high-risk peptic ulcer bleeding by conventional endoscopic therapy.

Over-the-scope-clip (OTSC®) as a rescue treatment for gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to peptic ulcer disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

over-the-scope-clips (OTSC®) have been proposed as a rescue treatment for bleeding peptic ulcers. However, their effectiveness has not been evaluated in Spain.

METHODS

this retrospective and single-center study (January 2018-December 2021) assessed the technical success, clinical success and safety of the device within 30 days. All patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to a peptic ulcer and treated with the OTSC® clip (OVESCO) as a rescue therapy were included in the study.

RESULTS

a total of eleven patients were included in the study, nine due to rebleeding and two due to persistent bleeding. Technical success was 81.9 % (9/11, confidence interval [CI] 95 %: 52-95 %). The per-protocol and intention-to-treat clinical success were 88.9 % (8/9, CI 95 %: 57-98 %) and 72.7 % (8/11, CI 95 %: 43-90 %), respectively. No device-related adverse effects were recorded.

CONCLUSION

the OTSC® clip was an effective and safe rescue therapy for bleeding peptic ulcers.

The effect of prophylactic antibiotics in acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding patients in the emergency department

BACKGROUND

Currently, prophylactic antibiotics are recommended only for cirrhotic patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB); however, the benefit for other AUGIB patients remains undetermined. We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between patients with AUGIB with and without prophylactic antibiotics to identify the population that requires this therapy.

METHODS

Patients with AUGIB admitted between 1st January 2019 and 31st December 2021 in the Emergency Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital were enrolled. Patients were divided into the antibiotic and non-antibiotic groups. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcome was the onset of new infection. The risk factors for mortality and infection were analyzed, and stratification analysis of prophylactic antibiotics was performed. Continuous data were analyzed using the t-test or nonparametric rank sum test, and categorical data were analyzed using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Indicators with significant differences between the groups were included for logistic regression analysis. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 392 individuals were included, among them, 281 patients received prophylactic antibiotics, and 111 patients did not receive prophylactic antibiotics. The mortality rates were significantly lower in the antibiotic group than in the non-antibiotics group (6.41% vs. 17.12%, P=0.001). The risk factors for infection were varicose veins (P=0.045) and endotracheal intubation (P=0.005) in the prophylactic antibiotic group, and endoscopic treatment (P=0.010) in the non-prophylactic antibiotic group. Stratified analyses showed that patients with age ≥ 65 years, endotracheal intubation, endoscopic treatment, and AUGIB of variceal etiologies benefited from prophylactic antibiotics.

CONCLUSION

AUGIB patients may benefit from prophylactic antibiotics to decrease mortality, especially those aged ≥ 65 years and those with endotracheal intubation, endoscopic treatment, and variceal etiologies.

Proton pump inhibitor usage associates with higher risk of first episodes of pneumonia and peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients

Background

A large number of studies have shown that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are associated with infection events. Therefore, we retrospectively evaluated the association of PPI therapy with the occurrence of first pneumonia and peritoneal dialysis(PD)-related peritonitis events in the maintenance PD patients.

Methods

We collected PD patients in two large hospitals from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2016, and divided them into the PPI group and the non-PPI group. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were applied to evaluate the cumulative incidence and hazard ratios (HRs). Inverse probability of treatment weight (IPTW) method was used to adjust for covariate imbalance between the two groups and further confirm our findings.

Results

Finally, 656 PD patients were included for data analysis, and the results showed that PPI usage was associated with an increased risk of pneumonia [HR 1.71; 95% CI 1.06-2.76; p = 0.027] and peritonitis [HR 1.73; 95% CI 1.24-2.40; p = 0.001]. IPTW-adjusted HRs for the association of PPIs with pneumonia and peritonitis were 1.58 (95% CI:1.18-2.12; p = 0.002) and 2.33 (95% CI:1.91-2.85; p < 0.001), respectively. Moreover, the competitive risk model proved that under the conditions of competition for other events(including transfer to hemodialysis therapy, kidney transplant, transfer from our research center, loss to follow-up, and death), the differences in endpoints events between the two groups were still statistically significant (p = 0.009, p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

PPIs was associated with an increased risk of first pneumonia and PD-related peritonitis events in PD patients, which reminds clinicians to be cautious when prescribing acid-suppressing drugs for PD patients.

Scheduled second look endoscopy after endoscopic hemostasis to patients with high risk bleeding peptic ulcers: a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The recommendation of second look endoscopy (SLOGD) in selected patients at high risk for rebleeding has been inconclusive. This study aimed to evaluate the benefit of SLOGD in selected patients predicted at high risk of recurrent bleeding.

METHODS

From a cohort of 939 patients with bleeding peptic ulcers who underwent endoscopic hemostasis, we derived a 9-point risk score (age > 60, Male, ulcer ≥ 2 cm in size, posterior bulbar or lesser curve gastric ulcer, Forrest I bleeding, haemoglobin < 8 g/dl) to predict recurrent bleeding. We then validated the score in another cohort of 1334 patients (AUROC 0.77). To test the hypothesis that SLOGD in high-risk patients would improve outcomes, we did a randomized controlled trial to compare scheduled SLOGD with observation alone in those predicted at high risk of rebleeding (a score of ≥ 5). The primary outcome was clinical bleeding within 30 days of the index bleed.

RESULTS

Of 314 required, we enrolled 157 (50%) patients (SLOGD n = 78, observation n = 79). Nine (11.8%) in SLOGD group and 14 (18.2%) in observation group reached primary outcome (absolute difference 6.4%, 95% CI - 5.0% to 17.8%). Twenty-one of 69 (30.4%) patients who underwent SLOGD needed further endoscopic treatment. No surgery for bleeding control was needed. There were 6 vs. 3 of 30-day deaths in either group (p = 0.285, log rank). No difference was observed regarding blood transfusion and hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

In this aborted trial that enrolled patients with bleeding peptic ulcers at high-risk of recurrent bleeding, scheduled SLOGD did not significantly improve outcomes.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov:NCT02352155.

Nomogram for predicting rebleeding after initial endoscopic epinephrine injection monotherapy hemostasis in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Although the current guidelines recommend endoscopic combination therapy, endoscopic epinephrine injection (EI) monotherapy is still a simple, common and effective modality for treating peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB). However, the rebleeding risk after EI monotherapy is still high, and identifying rebleeding patients after EI monotherapy is unclear, which is highly important in clinical practice. This study aimed to identify risk factors and constructed a predictive nomogram related to rebleeding after EI monotherapy.

METHODS

We consecutively and retrospectively analyzed 360 PUB patients who underwent EI monotherapy between March 2014 and July 2021 in our center. Then we identified independent risk factors associated with rebleeding after initial endoscopic EI monotherapy by multivariate logistic regression. A predictive nomogram was developed and validated based on the above predictors.

RESULTS

Among all PUB patients enrolled, 51 (14.2%) had recurrent hemorrhage within 30 days after endoscopic EI monotherapy. After multivariate logistic regression, shock [odds ratio (OR) = 12.691, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.129-31.399, p < 0.001], Rockall score (OR = 1.877, 95% CI 1.250-2.820, p = 0.002), tachycardia (heart rate > 100 beats/min) (OR = 2.610, 95% CI 1.098-6.203, p = 0.030), prolonged prothrombin time (PT > 13 s) (OR = 2.387, 95% CI 1.019-5.588, p = 0.045) and gastric ulcer (OR = 2.258, 95% CI 1.003-5.084, p = 0.049) were associated with an increased risk of rebleeding after an initial EI monotherapy treatment. A nomogram incorporating these independent high-risk factors showed good discrimination, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.876 (95% CI 0.817-0.934) (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a predictive nomogram of rebleeding after EI monotherapy, which had excellent prediction accuracy. This predictive nomogram can be conveniently used to identify low-risk rebleeding patients after EI monotherapy, allowing for decision-making in a clinical setting.

Over-the-scope-clips versus standard treatment in high-risk patients with acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a randomised controlled trial (STING-2)

OBJECTIVE

Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is managed by standard endoscopic combination therapy, but a few cases remain difficult and carry a high risk of persistent or recurrent bleeding. The aim of our study was to compare first-line over-the-scope-clips (OTSC) therapy with standard endoscopic treatment in these selected patients.

DESIGN

We conducted a prospective, randomised, controlled, multicentre study (NCT03331224). Patients with endoscopic evidence of acute NVUGIB and high risk of rebleeding (defined as complete Rockall Score ≥7) were included. Primary endpoint was clinical success defined as successful endoscopic haemostasis without evidence of recurrent bleeding.

RESULTS

246 patients were screened and 100 patients were finally randomised (mean of 5 cases/centre and year; 70% male, 30% female, mean age 78 years; OTSC group n=48, standard group n=52). All but one case in the standard group were treated with conventional clips. Clinical success was 91.7% (n=44) in the OTSC group compared with 73.1% (n=38) in the ST group (p=0.019), with persistent bleeding occurring in 0 vs 6 in the OTSC versus standard group (p=0.027), all of the latter being successfully managed by rescue therapy with OTSC. Recurrent bleeding was observed in four patients (8.3%) in the OTSC group and in eight patients (15.4%) in the standard group (p=0.362).

CONCLUSION

OTSC therapy appears to be superior to standard treatment with clips when used by trained physicians for selected cases of primary therapy of NVUGIB with high risk of rebleeding. Further studies are necessary with regards to patient selection to identify subgroups benefiting most from OTSC haemostasis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03331224.

Development and validation of a model to predict rebleeding within three days after endoscopic hemostasis for high-risk peptic ulcer bleeding

BACKGROUND

Peptic ulcer bleeding remains a typical medical emergency with significant morbidity and mortality. Peptic ulcer rebleeding often occurs within three days after emergent endoscopic hemostasis. Our study aims to develop a nomogram to predict rebleeding within three days after emergent endoscopic hemostasis for high-risk peptic ulcer bleeding.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 386 patients with bleeding ulcers and high-risk stigmata who underwent emergent endoscopic hemostasis between March 2014 and October 2018. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method was used to identify predictors. The model was displayed as a nomogram. Internal validation was carried out using bootstrapping. The model was evaluated using the calibration plot, decision-curve analyses, and clinical impact curve.

RESULTS

Overall, 386 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled, with 48 patients developed rebleeding within three days after initial endoscopic hemostasis. Predictors contained in the nomogram included albumin, prothrombin time, shock, haematemesis/melena and Forrest classification. The model showed good discrimination and good calibration with a C-index of 0.854 (C-index: 0.830 via bootstrapping validation). Decision-curve analyses and clinical impact curve also demonstrated that it was clinically valuable.

CONCLUSION

This study presents a nomogram that incorporates clinical, laboratory, and endoscopic features, effectively predicting rebleeding within three days after emergent endoscopic hemostasis and identifying high-risk rebleeding patients with peptic ulcer bleeding. Trial registration This clinical trial has been registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04895904) approved by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE).

Incidence and characteristics of death from peptic ulcer among cancer patients in the United States

Most cancer patients die of non-cancer causes, and peptic ulcer is one cause that deserves attention. To characterize the incidence and risk factors of death from peptic ulcer among cancer patients, we extracted the data of cancer patients registered in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program from 1975 to 2016. Out of the 8,471,051 patients extracted from SEER, 4,698 died from peptic ulcer, with a mortality rate of 9.08/100,000 person-years. Meanwhile, the mortality rate in the general population was 5.09/100,000 person-years, giving a standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of 1.78 (95% confidence interval, 1.73-1.84). Patients who are female, of other race, unmarried, and with distant tumor stage have greater SMRs. A higher SMR was associated with a younger age at diagnosis. Among those aged < 40 years at diagnosis, the plurality of fatal peptic ulcers occurred in patients with leukemia and lymphoma, while in patients aged > 40 years, the majority occurred in those with prostate, breast, colorectum, and lung cancer. Patients with upper digestive system malignancies had the highest SMRs and hazard ratios (HRs), which could be ascribed to radiotherapy-induced damage to the gastroduodenum. The risk declined rapidly one year after diagnosis. However, the SMRs in the upper digestive system cancer survivors increased significantly over ten years after diagnosis. Upper digestive system cancers adjacent to the gastroduodenum were associated with higher SMRs and HRs compared with other types of cancer, possibly contributing partially to the damage caused by radiotherapy on the radiosensitive gastroduodenum.

Factors for unsuccessful endoscopic hemostasis in patients with severe peptic ulcer bleeding

OBJECTIVES

Although the first approach for peptic ulcer bleeding is endoscopic hemostasis, quick determination of a hemostatic strategy is important in patients with vitals indicating shock. However, the unsuccessful factors for endoscopic treatment have yet to be sufficiently examined. We aimed to investigate the factors for unsuccessful endoscopic hemostasis in severe peptic ulcer bleeding.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Unsuccessful factors were retrospectively investigated in 150 eligible patients who underwent endoscopic hemostasis for shock-presenting peptic ulcer bleeding at our critical care center between April 2007 and March 2021.

RESULTS

There were 123 and 27 cases of successful and unsuccessful endoscopic hemostasis, respectively. Causative diseases included gastric ulcer bleeding in 124 patients (82.7%) and duodenal ulcer bleeding in 26 patients (17.3%). Shock index (SI) (1.46 vs. 1.60) (p = .013), exposed blood vessel diameter (1.4 mm vs. 3.1 mm) (p < .001) identified on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT), duodenal ulcer bleeding (p = .012), and Forrest classification Ia (p = .004) were extracted as independent factors for unsuccessful endoscopic hemostasis. In receiving operating curve analysis, when the cut-off value for the SI was set at 1.53, the sensitivity and specificity were 70.4% and 63.4%, respectively. When the cut-off value for the exposed blood vessel diameter was set at 1.9 mm, these were 88.9% and 83.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

When these factors (SI ≥ 1.53, exposed blood vessel diameter ≥1.9 mm identified on CE-CT, duodenal ulcer bleeding, and Forrest Ia) are present in patients with severe peptic ulcer bleeding, non-endoscopic hemostasis, such as interventional radiology (IVR) and surgery, should be considered.

Which scoring system should be used for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding? Old or new?

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Several scoring systems for predicting outcomes in patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) have recently been devised, but not sufficiently validated. We compared the predictive accuracy of several scoring systems and assessed the usefulness of new scoring systems.

METHODS

The medical records of 1048 patients with NVUGIB were reviewed to collect demographic, clinical, laboratory, and endoscopic data. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCs) were calculated for the ABC, new Japanese scoring system, Progetto Nazionale Emorrhagia Digestiva (PNED), and other scores to compare their predictive accuracy for 30-day mortality, therapeutic intervention, rebleeding, and prolonged hospital stay (≥ 10 days). Outcome predictors were identified by multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

The ABC, new Japanese scoring system, and PNED scores best predicted 30-day mortality (AUROC 0.907), need for therapeutic intervention (AUROC 0.707), and rebleeding (AUROC 0.874), respectively (all P < 0.001). The ABC and PNED scores were similarly better at predicting prolonged hospital stay (ABC AUROC: 0.765; PNED AUROC: 0.790; both P < 0.001). Thirty-day mortality was related to sex, systolic blood pressure (SBP), syncope, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albumin, heart failure, disseminated malignancy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and liver cirrhosis. Sex, age, SBP, hematemesis, blood urea nitrogen, and eGFR independently predicted the need for therapeutic intervention. Sex, SBP, pulse, albumin level, heart failure, disseminated malignancy, and COPD predicted rebleeding.

CONCLUSION

The outcomes of patients with NVUGIB were better predicted by newly developed than by old scoring systems.

The "Hub and Spoke" model has no effect on mortality in acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A prospective multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND

the lack of standardized pathways for patients with gastrointestinal bleeding may have led to differences in their management and inequity to medical care access. The "Hub & Spoke" model was adopted to fill this gap in many disciplines, but, to our knowledge, no data exist on its efficacy on mortality in GI bleeding. We aimed to evaluate if the "Hub & Spoke" organizational model has an impact on mortality risk from UGIB.

METHODS

from January 2014 to December 2015, 3324 consecutive patients admitted for UGIB in 50 Italian hospitals were enrolled (1977 patients in hospitals within the "Hub & Spoke" network for digestive hemorrhagic emergency and 1347 in hospitals outside the "Hub & Spoke" network). Clinical, endoscopic and organizational data were recorded.

RESULTS

we observed no differences in mortality between patients admitted to hospitals included or not included in the "Hub & Spoke" network (5.2% vs 6.1%, p = 0.3). On multivariate analysis, admission in gastroenterology wards (OR 0.61, p = 0.001) or an academic hospital (OR 0.65, p < 0.056) were independent protective factors while being in "Hub & Spoke" organization system did not affect mortality (OR 1.09, p = 0.57).

CONCLUSION

the "Hub & Spoke" model per sé does not impact on mortality while being treated in academic hospital or gastroenterology wards improved survival.

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding: proposed study outcomes for new randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) remains a common cause of hospitalisation. However, interpretation and comparisons of published studies in GIB have been hampered by disparate study methodology.

AIMS

To make recommendations about outcome measures to be used in future randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of patients with acute bleeding from any GI source (nonvariceal UGI, variceal, small bowel, or colon) and suggest new RCTs in acute GIB for future peer-reviewed funding.

METHODS

As part of a National Institutes of Health conference entitled "Hemostatic Outcomes in Clinical Trials", a group of GIB experts performed targeted critical reviews of available evidence with the goal of proposing a bleeding outcome that could potentially be applied to different disciplines. In addition, the panel sought to develop a clinically meaningful primary endpoint specifically for acute GIB, potentially allowing a more contemporary regrouping of clinically relevant outcomes.

RESULTS

The primary endpoint proposed was a composite outcome of further bleeding within 30 days after randomisation leading to red blood cell transfusion, urgent intervention (repeat endoscopy; interventional radiology or surgery), or death. Secondary outcomes may include the individual components of the primary outcome, length of hospitalisation, serious adverse events, and health care resource utilisation.

CONCLUSION

The proposed endpoint may help move the GIB field forward by focusing on the most clinically relevant outcomes for patients with acute GIB of all types and informing study design and importance of sample size determination for future RCTs in GIB.

Recommended primary outcomes for clinical trials evaluating hemostatic blood products and agents in patients with bleeding: Proceedings of a National Heart Lung and Blood Institute and US Department of Defense Consensus Conference

ABSTRACT

High-quality evidence guiding optimal transfusion and other supportive therapies to reduce bleeding is needed to improve outcomes for patients with either severe bleeding or hemostatic disorders that are associated with poor outcomes. Alongside challenges in performing high-quality clinical trials in patient populations who are at risk of bleeding or who are actively bleeding, the interpretation of research evaluating hemostatic agents has been limited by inconsistency in the choice of primary trial outcomes. This lack of standardization of primary endpoints or outcomes decreases the ability of clinicians to assess the validity of endpoints and compare research results across studies, impairs meta-analytic efforts, and, ultimately, delays the translation of research results into clinical practice. To address this challenge, an international panel of experts was convened by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute and the US Department of Defense on September 23 and 24, 2019, to develop expert opinion, consensus-based recommendations for primary clinical trial outcomes for pivotal trials in pediatric and adult patients with six categories in various clinical settings. This publication documents the conference proceedings from the workshop funded by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute and the US Department of Defense that consolidated expert opinion regarding clinically meaningful outcomes across a wide range of disciplines to provide guidance for outcomes of future trials of hemostatic products and agents for patients with active bleeding.

Timing of Emergency Endoscopy for Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Literature Review

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common cause for Emergency Department and hospital admissions and has significant mortality and morbidity if it remains untreated. Upper endoscopy is the key procedure for both diagnosis and treatment of acute upper GI bleeding. The aim of this article is to review the optimal timing of endoscopy in patients with acute upper GI bleeding. The cost-effectiveness and the influence of urgent or emergent endoscopy on patients' outcomes are discussed. Also, we compare and contrast the available evidence and guidelines regarding the recommended time points for performing endoscopy in different clinical settings.

Efficacy of Hemospray (TC-325) in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Bleeding: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hemospray (TC-325) is now approved for use in gastrointestinal bleeding. Data regarding their use pattern, efficacy, complications, and impact on clinical outcomes is limited.

METHODS

Electronic search from relevant databases was conducted up to January 2019. Etiologies, therapy characteristics, hemostasis rates, rebleed rates, additional procedures, complications and mortality rates were extracted and pooled.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven articles were included for analysis (n=1916). Pooled hemostasis was 94.5%. Pooled rebleed rate within 3 days was 9.9%, and within 30 days 17.6%. Pooled repeat Hemospray use was 13.6%. Radiology guided embolization was required with rate of 3.3% and surgery at rate of 4.7%. Rate of adverse events directly attributable to Hemospray was 0.7%. 30-day mortality was 11.8%. Comparison of conventional endoscopic therapy to Hemospray augmented therapy demonstrated that Hemospray therapy had increased immediate hemostasis [odds ratio (OR) 4.40]. There was no difference in rate of rebleeding at 8 days (OR 0.52) or overall mortality at 30 days (OR 0.53). Benign nonvariceal bleeds, malignant bleeds, and postprocedural bleeds had similar rates of hemostasis but rebleed rate at 30 days was less for postprocedural bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of Hemospray to conventional therapy appears to increase immediate hemostasis but does not decrease rebleeding or mortality. As such, the use of Hemospray will likely be limited to clinical situations requiring urgent, but temporary, hemostasis to bridge to more definitive therapy.

Mucoadhesive gastroretentive microparticulate system for programmed delivery of famotidine and clarithromycin

AIM

The present research was aimed to develop thiolated polyacrylic acid (TPA) based microspheres (MSPs) containing famotidine (FX) and clarithromycin (CLX).

METHODS

TPA was synthesised from polyacrylic acid and l-cysteine in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDAC). The prepared TPA was characterised using FT-IR (Fourier transform-infra red), 1H-NMR (proton nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy, P-XRD (powder X ray diffraction) method, and zeta potential. The analytical tools have supported the formation of TPA. The thiolated microspheres were prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation method using 0.75% w/v polymer concentration and stirring at 400 rpm for 8 hr.

RESULTS

The average particle size and zeta potential of optimised formulation was found to be 25.2 ± 1.87 μm and -26.68 mV, respectively. The entrapment efficiency of the optimised formulation was obtained 67.20% for FX and 70.20% for CLX. The developed microspheres were swelled only in 4 h from 0.5 to 0.9. The in vitro mucoadhesive study and in vitro drug release studies demonstrated that microspheres showed mucoadhesive property. In in vitro drug release studies, the release of FX and CLX were observed to be 58.68% and 60.48%, respectively from microspheres in 8 h. The thiolated microspheres showed higher adhesion time (7.0 ± 0.8 h) in comparison to the plain microspheres (2.6 ± 0.4 h).

CONCLUSION

The prepared TPA based mucoadhesive microspheres can be utilised as carriers for the treatment of peptic ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori which will offer enhanced residence time for the rational drug combination in the gastric region.

Intraluminal Endovascular Coil Migration: A Rare Complication Post-Embolization of the Gastroduodenal Artery for a Previously Bleeding Duodenal Ulcer

Transarterial angiographic embolization is a highly effective, safe treatment for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding refractory to endoscopic intervention. However, intraluminal coil migration is a possible complication. Coil migration, while usually a self-limiting process, can lead to significant rebleeding. In our case, a patient presented with a life-threatening duodenal ulcer hemorrhage, likely precipitated by intraluminal endovascular coil migration after a recent gastro-duodenal artery embolization. He was successfully managed without endoscopic coil removal and had no additional gastrointestinal bleeding. It is important for endoscopists to be aware of this complication and weigh the risks and benefits of coil removal.

Hemostatic spray powder TC-325 in the primary endoscopic treatment of peptic ulcer-related bleeding: multicenter international registry

BACKGROUND

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a leading cause of morbidity and is associated with a 2 % - 17 % mortality rate in the UK and USA. Bleeding peptic ulcers account for 50 % of UGIB cases. Endoscopic intervention in a timely manner can improve outcomes. Hemostatic spray is an endoscopic hemostatic powder for GI bleeding. This multicenter registry was created to collect data prospectively on the immediate endoscopic hemostasis of GI bleeding in patients with peptic ulcer disease when hemostatic spray is applied as endoscopic monotherapy, dual therapy, or rescue therapy.

METHODS

Data were collected prospectively (January 2016 - March 2019) from 14 centers in the UK, France, Germany, and the USA. The application of hemostatic spray was decided upon at the endoscopist's discretion.

RESULTS

202 patients with UGIB secondary to peptic ulcers were recruited. Immediate hemostasis was achieved in 178/202 patients (88 %), 26/154 (17 %) experienced rebleeding, 21/175 (12 %) died within 7 days, and 38/175 (22 %) died within 30 days (all-cause mortality). Combination therapy of hemostatic spray with other endoscopic modalities had an associated lower 30-day mortality (16 %, P < 0.05) compared with monotherapy or rescue therapy. There were high immediate hemostasis rates across all peptic ulcer disease Forrest classifications.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest case series of outcomes of peptic ulcer bleeding treated with hemostatic spray, with high immediate hemostasis rates for bleeding peptic ulcers.

Current status and future challenges in the endoscopic management of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children

PURPOSE

This study aimed to elucidate the characteristics of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) in children and the outcomes of endoscopic hemostasis (EH) performed by pediatric surgeons.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of pediatric patients with NVUGIB who had undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) at our hospital, between December 2006 and March 2020.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients were included. The most common endoscopic diagnosis was gastritis (28%), followed by gastric ulcer (25%) and duodenal ulcer (25%). Thirty patients (83%) had underlying diseases, including a recent viral infection (39%), followed by Helicobacter pylori infection (14%). Fourteen patients (39%) underwent EH, exhibiting a high initial rate of hemostasis (100%). This was achieved in 12/14 patients by clipping. One patient was treated using a combination of a hypersaline and epinephrine (HSE) injection and coagulation therapy, as the ulcer exceeded the width of the hemoclips. Rebleeding occurred in one patient (7.1%) initially treated with pure ethanol injections. The partial view of the pediatric duodenum prevented the placement of hemoclips; hence, the patient was treated using a combination of HSE and coagulation therapy.

CONCLUSION

Clipping, injection, and/or coagulation therapy can lead to high success rates for hemostasis, considering the anatomical characteristics in a pediatric population.

Hospitalizations for peptic ulcer disease in China: Current features and outcomes

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Rates and outcomes of hospitalizations for peptic ulcer disease (PUD) are unknown in mainland China. We aimed to describe characteristics and treatments of PUD inpatients in secondary and tertiary care hospitals registered in the national Health Statistics and Information Reporting System in 2015 and to explore factors related to inpatient outcomes.

METHODS

We retrieved and validated PUD hospitalization data from 4441 hospitals reporting to Health Statistics and Information Reporting System in 2015. Sensitivity analyses were performed to examine the robustness of findings considering different reporting rates across provinces. Current analyses focused on ulcer sites, complications, therapies, and rates of in-hospital death or unauthorized discharge.

RESULTS

Total admissions for PUD were 443 433 (mean age 55.14 years), constituting 0.59% of all-cause hospitalizations of 2015 in 4441 hospitals. Duodenal ulcers were more common than gastric ulcers (44.69% vs 37.42%). About 61% of inpatients had complications (46.45% for bleeding and 14.66% for perforation). Over 96% of uncomplicated or bleeding inpatients were managed medically. Surgery was provided to 64.22% of perforated cases. Endoscopic hemostasis and transcatheter embolization were performed for 1.59% of the bleeding and 0.59% of the perforation cases. For all PUD cases, the average in-hospital mortality was 0.35%. Six percent of inpatients left hospitals without authorization. Multinomial logistic regressions showed that inpatient death and unauthorized discharge were associated with older age, gastric ulcer, bleeding, perforation, and comorbidity after controlling for gender, insurance status, hospital type, area, and region.

CONCLUSIONS

Currently, pharmacologic management is dominant, and endoscopic hemostasis is notably underutilized for PUD hospitalizations in mainland China.

Semiautomated Glasgow-Blatchford Bleeding Score helps direct bed placement for patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding

OBJECTIVE

The Glasgow-Blatchford Bleeding Score (GBS) was designed to identify patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) who do not require hospitalisation. It may also help stratify patients unlikely to benefit from intensive care.

DESIGN

We reviewed patients assigned a GBS in the emergency room (ER) via a semiautomated calculator. Patients with a score ≤7 (low risk) were directed to an unmonitored bed (UMB), while those with a score of ≥8 (high risk) were considered for MB placement. Conformity with guidelines and subsequent transfers to MB were reviewed, along with transfusion requirement, rebleeding, length of stay, need for intervention and death.

RESULTS

Over 34 months, 1037 patients received a GBS in the ER. 745 had an UGIB. 235 (32%) of these patients had a GBS ≤7. 29 (12%) low-risk patients were admitted to MBs. Four low-risk patients admitted to UMB required transfer to MB within the first 48 hours. Low-risk patients admitted to UMBs were no more likely to die, rebleed, need transfusion or require more endoscopic, radiographic or surgical procedures than those admitted to MBs. No low-risk patient died from GIB. Patients with GBS ≥8 were more likely to rebleed, require transfusion and interventions to control bleeding but not to die.

CONCLUSION

A semiautomated GBS calculator can be incorporated into an ER workflow. Patients with a GBS ≤7 are unlikely to need MB care for UGIB. Further studies are warranted to determine an ideal scoring system for MB admission.

Use of over-the-scope clip for ulcer hemostasis after failure of both surgery and interventional therapy: A case report

RATIONALE

Non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding is a common critical disease worldwide, and according to relevant guidelines, surgery and interventional treatment are the final therapies. However, few studies have reported on therapeutic strategies to employ when the ultimate treatment fails. This report offers a reasonable option for hemostasis after surgery and interventional treatment both fail.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 47-year-old man with recurrent bleeding had undergone endoscopy, surgery, and interventional therapy; however, effective hemostasis was not achieved.

DIAGNOSIS

This patient's clinical manifestations and typical gastroscopic findings confirmed duodenal bulb ulcer with hemorrhage INTERVENTIONS:: A Billroth II + Bancroft operation, interventional treatment, and endoscopic hemostasis with an over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system were administered.

OUTCOMES

The bleeding was successfully controlled, and the patient remained well during long-term follow-up.

LESSONS

The OTSC system can represent a reasonable option for ulcer hemostasis after surgery when other interventional therapies have failed.

Clinical comparative analysis of various duodenal diseases in different age groups

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the differences and relevance of various common duodenal diseases in different parts in the aspects of age, gender, helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, application of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), smoking, or alcohol consumption.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical records of various duodenal diseases were collected and tested for difference using the χ2 test or the Fisher exact probability method.

RESULTS

1) The proportions of duodenal ulcer (DU), inflammation, and duodenal bulb diseases in the adult group (A) (47.98%, 36.70%, and 66.63%) were higher than those in the elderly group (E) (41.38%, 29.83%, and 56.82%), but the proportions of duodenal diverticulum (DD) and tumor diseases in the descending and ascending segments (2.95%, 1.43%, 9.14%, and 0.14%) were lower than those in group E (13.73%, 3.69%, 19.41%, and 0.76%) (p<0.001). 2) The positive rate of H. pylori (63.64%) in the duodenal bulb diseases was higher than that in the bulb-descending segment (53.75%), but the application rate of NSAIDs (16.44%) in the duodenal bulb-descending diseases was lower than that in the descending segment (24.81%) (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

1) DU, inflammation, and duodenal bulb diseases are common in adults, but DD and tumor diseases in the descending and ascending segments are more common in the elderly. 2) Compared with the duodenal bulb-descending diseases, the application of NSAIDs has greater impact on the diseases in the descending segment, and the rate of H. pylori infection is higher in duodenal bulb diseases.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding From Oral Anticoagulant Therapy Among Japanese Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Identified From the SAKURA Atrial Fibrillation Registry

BACKGROUND

In the Japanese clinical setting, the prevalence, potential cofounders of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding from anticoagulant therapy, including direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and warfarin, and prognosis after GI bleeding are unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We examined about GI bleeding from anticoagulant therapy using data from the SAKURA AF Registry, a prospective multicenter registry in Japan. Among 3,237 enrollees, 48.8% (n=1,561) were warfarin users and 51.2% (n=1,676) DOAC users. GI bleeding was identified in 68 patients (2.1%). No incidental differences in GI bleeding were observed between the DOAC and warfarin users (32 [1.9%] patients [0.67 events per 100 person-years] vs. 36 [2.3%] patients [0.75 events per 100 person-years], respectively; P=0.43). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model analysis revealed that creatinine (hazard ratio [HR] 1.379, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.091-1.743 P=0.007) and hemoglobin (HR 0.814, 95% CI 0.705-0.941, P=0.005) remained independent determinants of GI bleeding. Patients experiencing GI bleeding events had a higher risk of all-cause death (18%) than those without GI bleeding (6%) (P=0.045).

CONCLUSIONS

GI bleeding was strongly associated with anemia and renal impairment. Patients experiencing GI bleeding had higher risk for all-cause death than those without GI bleeding.

Over-The-Scope Clip system as a first-line therapy for high-risk bleeding peptic ulcers: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Effective hemostasis is essential to prevent rebleeding. We evaluated the efficacy and feasibility of the Over-The-Scope Clip (OTSC) system compared to combined therapy (through-the-scope clips with epinephrine injection) as a first-line endoscopic treatment for high-risk bleeding peptic ulcers.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data of 95 patients from a single, tertiary center and underwent either OTSC (n = 46) or combined therapy (n = 49). The primary outcome of the present study was the efficacy of the OTSC system as a first-line therapy in patients with high-risk bleeding peptic ulcers compared to combined therapy with TTS clips and epinephrine injection. The secondary outcomes included the rebleeding rate, perforation rate, mean procedure time, reintervention rate, mean procedure cost and days of hospitalization in the two study groups within 30 days of the index procedure.

RESULTS

All patients achieved hemostasis within the procedure; two patients in the OTSC group and four patients in the combined therapy group developed rebleeding (p = 0.444). No patients experienced gastrointestinal perforation. OTSC had a shorter median procedure time than combined therapy (11 min versus 20 min; p < 0.001). The procedure cost was superior for OTSC compared to combined therapy ($102,000 versus $101,000; p < 0.001). We found no significant difference in the rebleeding prevention rate (95.6% versus 91.8%, p = 0.678), hospitalization days (3 days versus 4 days; p = 0.215), and hospitalization costs ($108,000 versus $240,000, p = 0.215) of the OTSC group compared to the combined therapy group.

CONCLUSION

OTSC treatment is an effective and feasible first-line therapy for high-risk bleeding peptic ulcers. OTSC confers comparable costs and patient outcomes as combined treatments, with a shorter procedure time.

The role of antibiotics in upper gastrointestinal bleeding among cirrhotic patients without major complications after endoscopic hemostasis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Antibiotic prophylaxis should be instituted for cirrhotic patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), but the benefit on compensated patients remains undetermined. We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between cirrhotic patients without major complications with UGIB with and without antibiotic prophylaxis.

METHODS

We conducted this population-based cohort study by using Taiwanese Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 (LHID2000, between 1997 to 2013), aged 18 years or older with a hospital discharge diagnosis of cirrhosis (n = 64,506), UGIB (n = 7,784), and endoscopic therapy (n = 2,292). After strict exclusions, 1205 patients were enrolled and were divided into antibiotic exposure (n = 558) and non-exposure (n = 647) groups. The outcomes were rebleeding and mortality.

RESULTS

After completing the analysis adjusted by death, the rebleeding rates within 4 weeks were significantly lower in patients with antibiotic prophylaxis (3.05% versus 6.03%, P = 0.0142) and those with endoscopic therapy (0.72% vs 3.09%, P = 0.0033) but not significant after 3 months and onwards. Male patients aged > 55, high CCI score ≧ 4, and UGIB of variceal etiologies were benefited from rebleeding. The use of antibiotics did not significantly impact 6-week mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.07, 95%CI: 0.41~2.75; P = 0.8943). Old age, multiple comorbidities, and UGIB of variceal etiologies were risk factors of all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study suggested that cirrhotic patients without major complications who suffered from UGIB were benefited by the use of antibiotics to prevent rebleeding within 4 weeks after endoscopic treatment of UGIB especially for those with age > 55, high CCI score ≧ 4, and UGIB of variceal etiologies.