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PubMed1989

[Diagnosis of the bleeding site in gastrointestinal hemorrhage by the determination of the serum urea and creatinine ratios].

Serum urea/creatinine (Ur/Cr) ratios were determined in patients showing massive gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in order to evaluate the bleeding site. In 36 cases of upper GI bleeding, serum Ur/Cr ratios were 119.1 +/- 4.0. The ratios were 54.1 +/- 12.1 and 58.4 +/- 10.3 in 23 cases of lower GI bleeding and 50 control cases without GI bleeding, respectively. The ratio in the upper GI bleeding cases were significantly higher than those in the lower GI bleeding and the control cases. In all cases of upper GI bleeding, except for 6 cases in which blood volume flowed into the GI tract was small, the ratios were beyond 81. On the other hand, in the lower GI bleeding and the control cases, the ratios were all below 81. Values over 81 in serum Ur/Cr ratios in upper GI bleeding cases continued until the 3rd day after bleeding. These results indicate that determination of serum Ur/Cr ratios is a simple and useful procedure for diagnosis of the bleeding site in cases showing massive GI bleeding.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

99mTc-DTPA uptake in malignant and inflammatory bowel disease: experience from gastrointestinal bleeding studies.

During the evaluation of 99Tcm-DTPA for localization of acute gastrointestinal bleeding in 81 studies (78 patients), it was observed that there was an increased 99Tcm-DTPA at sites of inflammatory and malignant lesions of the GI tract in 18 studies. Active bleeding was detected only in 10 and no bleeding was detected in the remaining eight studies. In all the increased DTPA uptake helped to localize the site of bleeding. Image subtraction of early from delayed images according to a predefined acquisition and processing protocol helped to differentiate bleeding from non bleeding lesions. We conclude that increased 99Tcm-DTPA uptake in malignant and inflammatory lesions of the bowel is an additional advantage for its use in localizing the site of acute GI bleeding. Technetium-99m diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (99Tcm-DTPA) has been widely used for imaging the brain and kidneys since it was introduced by Hauser in 1970. Kadir and Strauss in 1979 reported that 99Tcm-DTPA localizes in segments of bowel with inflammation due to ulcerative colitis, regional enteritis and other forms of enterocolitis. Recently we reported the advantages of 99Tcm-DTPA in localizing the site of acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Inflammatory bowel diseases are among the causes of gastrointestinal bleeding. One of the problems in localizing the site of the bleeding by radionuclide procedures is the intermittent nature of the bleeding. We have reviewed all gastrointestinal bleeding studies in our department using 99Tcm-DTPA from January 1984 till September 1985 in order to find out whether increased uptake of 99Tcm-DTPA was helpful in localizing the bleeding lesion due to malignancy and/or inflammation.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

The American College of Gastroenterology Bleeding Registry: preliminary findings.

OBJECTIVES: The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Institute for Clinical Research and Education conducted a survey study to assess demographics, management strategies, and outcome for patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. This pilot project was intended to determine the feasibility of surveying the ACG membership about common clinical issues. METHODS: Color-coded survey forms were sent to all ACG members and Fellows, with instructions to supply information about demographics, presenting symptoms, management, and outcome for bleeding patients and procedure-matched controls. Forms returned between June 1 and August 31, 1995, were tabulated and analyzed for differences between the bleeding group and procedure-matched controls. RESULTS: A total of 1235 forms were returned by respondents, 60% of whom were in private practice. Patient demographics indicated that bleeding patients were significantly older, more likely to be male, and more likely to use alcohol, tobacco, and prescription or over-the-counter aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anticoagulants than were controls. Upper GI bleeding accounted for 76% of bleeding events, with duodenal and gastric ulcers being the source in more than 50% of the upper GI bleeders. Diverticula was the most common bleeding source identified in lower GI bleeders. In the bleeding group, 78.8% were anemic, with 60.9% having hemoglobin of <10 g/dl; 31% presented with orthostatic changes in blood pressure or shock. Most bleeding subjects, regardless of source, were hospitalized, 58.2% received blood transfusions, and 45.5% received endoscopic therapy. Rebleeding (11.2%), need for surgery (7.1%), and fatalities (2.1%) were uncommon. Over-the-counter aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were used significantly more often in the bleeding population (47.6%) than in controls (19.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The success of the GI Bleeding Registry supports the feasibility of surveying ACG members about common clinical problems. Data suggest that ACG members manage sick patients with severe gastrointestinal bleeding who require hospitalization, transfusions, and endoscopic treatment. These preliminary results will serve as an impetus to conduct further survey studies of gastrointestinal bleeding and other common digestive disease conditions.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1998

Home treatment of mild to moderate bleeding episodes using recombinant factor VIIa (Novoseven) in haemophiliacs with inhibitors.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of a fixed dose of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa; NovoSeven) in the home setting for mild to moderately severe joint, muscle; and mucocutaneous bleeding episodes in patients with haemophilia A or B with inhibitors. DESIGN: Multicentre, open-label, single arm, phase III study of one year duration. METHODS; Patients or their caregivers administered up to three doses of rFVIIa (90 microg/kg i.v.) at 3 h intervals within 8 h of the onset of a mild to moderate bleeding episode. Once the subject considered that rFVIIa had been "effective" with regard to haemostasis (after 1-3 injections), one further (maintenance) dose of rFVIIa was administered. RESULTS: Of 60 patients enrolled, 56 experienced at least one bleed, and 46 completed the one year study. 614 of 877 bleeds (70%) were evaluable according to protocol definitions. Haemostasis was rated as "effective" in 92% (566/614) of evaluable bleeds after a mean of 2.2 injections. For successfully treated episodes, the time from onset of bleeding until administration of the first injection was 1.1+/-2.0 h (mean+/-SD). Twenty-four hours after initial successful response, haemostasis was reported as having been maintained in 95% of cases. Efficacy was comparable for muscle, joint and target joint, and mucocutaneous bleeding episodes. In an intent-to-treat analysis of all 877 bleeding events, efficacy outcomes were equivalent to the evaluable bleeds, with an effective response in 88% of treated episodes. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 32 (3% of all) bleeding episodes and consisted of re-bleeds/new bleeds in more than 50% (18/32) of these events. A single episode of superficial thrombophlebitis was the only thrombotic complication encountered, and there were no patient withdrawals due to adverse events. Development of FVII(a) antibodies could not be detected, and hypersensitivity reactions to rFVIIa were not reported. CONCLUSION: rFVIIa is effective and well tolerated when used in the home setting to treat mild to moderate bleeding episodes in patients with haemophilia A or B with inhibitors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Aspirin increases the bleeding side effects in essential thrombocythemia independent of the cyclooxygenase pathway: role of the lipoxygenase pathway.

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is currently recommended as an antithrombotic for patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) who are at an increased risk of thrombotic events. However, ASA is also associated with an increased risk of bleeding in these patients as compared to the risk of bleeding in other patients treated with ASA. Recent data suggest that while ASA inhibits platelet thromboxane A2 (TxA2) synthesis in all individuals, ASA has little effect or inhibits the lipoxygenase pathway (i.e., 12-hydroxyeicosatetranoic acid or 12-HETE synthesis) in some individuals, and enhances 12-HETE synthesis in others. These differential effects are associated with a pronounced prolongation of the bleeding time vs. no prolongation of the bleeding time, respectively, i.e., in ASA responders and ASA nonresponders, respectively. To determine if the increased risk of ASA-induced bleeding seen in ET patients is associated with an effect on 12-HETE synthesis, we compared the relative effects of ASA on the bleeding time, platelet TxA2 and 12-HETE synthesis, and platelet aggregation and adhesion in ET patients and healthy volunteers. ASA (300 mg, taken orally) prolonged the bleeding time in 82% of the ET patients but only 27% of the healthy volunteers although platelet TxA2 synthesis and ADP- and collagen-induced aggregation were inhibited significantly in both groups. In contrast, platelet 12-HETE synthesis was unchanged and platelet adhesion was decreased in those patients and volunteers whose bleeding times were prolonged by ASA, whereas platelet 12-HETE synthesis was increased significantly and platelet adhesion was unaffected in those patients and volunteers whose bleeding times were not prolonged, and in some cases shortened by ASA. These results confirm previous data that demonstrate that ASA has different effects on platelet 12-HETE synthesis and platelet adhesion in different individuals, i.e., inhibitory or no effect in ASA responders (in whom ASA prolonged bleeding) vs. enhancing effects in ASA nonresponders (in whom ASA did not prolong bleeding). These results also indicate that there is a greater percentage of ASA responders in patients with ET than that seen in the general population, a difference that is associated with an effect of ASA on the lipoxygenase pathway. This may explain the increased bleeding side effects seen in the ET patient population.

12-Hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic Acid↗
PubMed1989

The effect of exercise on bleeding time and local production of prostacyclin and thromboxane.

Exercise at a heart rate corresponding to 30% VO2max for 15 min was associated with an increase in the volume of bleeding time blood from a mean of 133 microliters before exercise to a mean of 218 microliters during and immediately after the exercise. There was similarly an increase in thromboxane B2 production from 6.40 nmol.l-1 before to 11.50 nmol.l-1. Most subjects also showed an increase in the length of the bleeding time and in the production of bleeding time 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. The extent of increase in the bleeding time and in production of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was quite variable, with subjects showing the largest increases in bleeding time also demonstrating the greatest increases in 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (r = 0.76, P = 0.004). The ingestion of aspirin before exercise markedly inhibited basal bleeding time thromboxane B2 production and blocked the exercise-associated increments in thromboxane B2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha production. While the aspirin itself increased the length of the bleeding time, there was not any further increase associated with exercise. In contrast to the effects of acute short-term exercise, long-distance running was associated with a significant decrease in bleeding time, but no change in bleeding time blood volume, bleeding time thromboxane B2, or bleeding time 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. The results show that acute low-level exercise can be associated with significant changes in the volume of blood oozing from a bleeding time incision and in the amount of thromboxane production stimulated at the incisional site. Following exhaustive exercise of long duration, the above changes are no longer seen.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗
PubMed2006

The effect of uremia on platelet contractile force, clot elastic modulus and bleeding time in hemodialysis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Uremic bleeding frequently occurs in dialysis patients. Although its mechanism is not well characterized, acquired platelet dysfunction has been implicated in its pathogenesis. Skin bleeding time has been used to characterize platelet dysfunction in this population. However, the bleeding time is prone to error. The goal of this study was to compare the bleeding time to the novel platelet function parameters platelet contractile force and clot elastic modulus as well as platelet aggregation studies in controls and patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five subjects completed this study (25 controls, 20 dialysis). All subjects had the Ivy skin bleeding time procedure performed, as well as the collection of whole blood samples for the determination of platelet contractile force, clot elastic modulus, % von Willebrand Factor antigen, and platelet aggregation studies. Pearson's correlation determined the relationships between skin bleeding time and platelet function and clot structure parameters and markers of renal dysfunction. RESULTS: Bleeding time was significantly prolonged in the dialysis group relative to controls. The platelet function parameters were not significantly different between groups. There was a significant relationship between bleeding time and creatinine concentration, however, no relationship existed between bleeding time and platelet function parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Skin bleeding time poorly correlates with measurements of platelet function. There were no significant differences noted in platelet function between the groups despite the prolongations in bleeding time in the dialysis group. These data may suggest that the bleeding time reflects perturbations in platelet adhesion or secretion, and not aggregation. Further study is needed to characterize platelet function in dialysis patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Does aspirin prolong bleeding from gastric biopsies in man?

Aspirin prolongs skin bleeding time in man by inducing abnormal platelet function. Prolongation of gastric bleeding time has been postulated as a mechanism for gastric hemorrhage after aspirin in man. To determine whether endoscopic gastric biopsy is safe in patients taking aspirin, we studied the effects of acute and chronic aspirin use on gastric bleeding time in four groups of subjects. Gastric bleeding time was assessed directly following endoscopic biopsy. Skin bleeding time was done by the Mielke method. Control subjects (group I) were studied twice at one-week intervals to determine reproducibility of the gastric bleeding time technique. The effect of aspirin on gastric and skin bleeding time when given to normal volunteers for 24 hours (group II) and for two weeks (group III) and to rheumatic disease patients on a chronic basis (group IV) was also studied. In normal volunteers given aspirin for 24 hours or two weeks, gastric bleeding time was not affected in spite of skin bleeding time being significantly prolonged over baseline. Gastric bleeding time was less then skin bleeding time in all groups including patients with rheumatoid arthritis (p less than 0.05). We conclude that aspirin ingestion does not prolong gastric bleeding time in man and that gastric biopsy is not contraindicated on th basis of recent aspirin ingestion.

Aspirin↗
PubMed1996

Human immunodeficiency virus infection in Mexico City. Rectal bleeding and anal warts as risk factors among men reporting sex with men.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the frequency and determinants of rectal bleeding and the association between rectal bleeding and risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among homosexual/ bisexual men in Mexico City. Men who requested anonymous HIV testing at a public clinic in Mexico City and who reported engaging in any homosexual behavior were eligible to participate in this study. Trained staff collected information on demographic factors, sexual behavior, psychological states, and HIV serostatus from all consenting, eligible clients. Logistic regression modeling was used to investigate the independent effect of risk factors among 2,758 men who were tested between June 1991 and December 1992. Bleeding during anal intercourse was a common occurrence: More than one third of the men in the study reported some bleeding, and 8% reported bleeding in half or more of their intercourse episodes. The prevalence of HIV infection among bleeders was 42% as compared with 28% in nonbleeders (p < 0.0001), and the adjusted odds ratio was 1.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-2.8) for men who bled in more than half of their anal intercourse episodes relative to nonbleeders. There was a trend of increasing HIV seroprevalence with increasing frequency of rectal bleeding (p = 0.001). Nine percent of all HIV infections and 42% of infections among frequent bleeders were attributable to rectal bleeding. Men who reported both rectal bleeding and anal warts were 3.5 (95% CI 2.1-5.8) times more likely to be HIV-infected in multivariate analysis than men reporting neither rectal bleeding nor anal warts. Determinants of rectal bleeding included older age, more education, more receptive anal intercourse than insertive intercourse, receptive digital-anal contact, anal warts, and genital ulcers. Among men reporting sex with men in Mexico City, rectal bleeding is common. It is an independent risk factor for HIV infection, and warrants attention in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome prevention efforts. Rectal bleeding that results from rupture of anal warts may be an especially effective portal of HIV transmission.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Uremic bleeding: pathogenesis and therapy.

BACKGROUND: We reviewed current understanding of the pathophysiology of the uremic bleeding diathesis and discuss accepted therapeutic interventions that minimize the risk of bleeding in the uremic patient. METHODS: Computerized literature searches and references from previous publications, including articles describing original research and reviews pertaining to the pathophysiology of and clinical approach to uremic bleeding. RESULTS: The most common hemorrhagic manifestations in uremia are prolonged bleeding from puncture sites; nasal, gastrointestinal and genitourinary bleeding; and subdural hematomas. The most useful clinical laboratory test to assess both bleeding risk and response to therapy is bleeding time. It correlates better with clinical bleeding complications than indices of azotemia (eg, blood urea nitrogen [BUN], creatinine) or in vitro platelet aggregation tests. A low hematocrit is also correlated with increased bleeding risk. Anemia plays an important role in the bleeding diathesis of uremia and its correction with red cell transfusions or human recombinant erythropoietin is critical. Anticoagulation during hemodialysis may transiently exacerbate the bleeding diathesis. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis improve the hemostatic defect and renal transplantation totally corrects it. Cryoprecipitate has been largely replaced by desmopressin acetate, which acts promptly (in less than 1 hour) but has a short duration of action (hours) and exhibits tachyphylaxis. Conjugated estrogens are slower in the onset of action (about 6 hours) but their effect lasts for about 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The pathophysiology of the bleeding diathesis of uremia is complex and incompletely understood but useful clinical tests and therapies have evolved empirically. Broadly available dialysis and the advent of erythropoietin are likely to reduce the magnitude of this problem.

Bleeding Time↗
PubMed1991

Thigh bleeding time as a valid indicator of hemostatic competency during surgical treatment of patients with advanced renal disease.

We compared the usefulness of the modified Ivy bleeding time performed in the forearm (arm bleeding time) with that performed in the thigh (thigh bleeding time) as an indicator of hemostatic competence during surgical treatment in 16 patients with chronic renal failure. In 22 normal adults, the arm bleeding time (mean plus or minus standard deviation, 6.6 +/- 1.4 minutes) was significantly longer than the value in the thigh (mean plus or minus standard deviation, 4.1 +/- 1.3 minutes) (p less than 0.001), and there was no correlation between arm and thigh bleeding time. Preoperatively, the arm bleeding time in patients with renal disease was markedly prolonged (greater than 20 minutes) in 15 patients and slightly prolonged in one patient. There was no abnormal perioperative bleeding in 13 patients whose preoperative thigh bleeding time was seven minutes or less. Prolonged and excessive perioperative bleeding was observed in three patients whose thigh bleeding time was 8.0, 9.5 and 26.5 minutes. These findings suggest that thigh bleeding time is a better indicator of competence of primary hemostasis during the operation than the arm bleeding time in patients with advanced renal failure.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Bacterial infection is independently associated with failure to control bleeding in cirrhotic patients with gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Bacterial infection is frequently diagnosed in cirrhotic patients with variceal hemorrhage. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of failure to control bleeding in cirrhotic patients during the first 5 days after the episode of variceal bleeding in relation to the diagnosis of bacterial infection and use of antibiotics. One hundred seventy-seven consecutive admissions for gastrointestinal bleeding in 151 patients were evaluated prospectively. From them, 163 admissions for variceal bleeding in 137 patients were included in the main analysis. Bleeding was managed in a standardized protocol using octreotide or terlipressin with sclerotherapy or band ligation for active bleeding at endoscopy. The end points were defined as in Baveno guidelines related to transfusion requirement or fresh hematemesis after 6 hours from time zero. The standardized screening protocol for bacterial infection consisted of chest radiograph and blood, urine, and ascitic fluid cultures. Active bleeding was reported at endoscopy in 86 admissions (53%). Failure to control bleeding occurred in 76 patient admissions (47%). Empirical antibiotic treatment was used in 113 admissions (69%), whereas in 81% of them (91 admissions, 56%) 102 bacterial infections were documented. Multivariate analysis showed that proven bacterial infection (P < .0001) or antibiotic use (P < .003) as well as active bleeding at endoscopy (P < .001) and Child-Pugh score (P < .02) were independent prognostic factors of failure to control bleeding. The results remained unchanged when all patient admissions with gastrointestinal bleeding of any source were included in the multivariate analysis. Bacterial infection is associated with failure to control variceal bleeding and needs to be evaluated in the planning and analysis of clinical trials.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Bleeding from peristomal varices: perspectives on prevention and treatment.

Peristomal variceal bleeding is a serious complication in patients with chronic liver disease undergoing colon surgery with a stoma. Our aim was to examine the morbidity of bleeding for peristomal, perianastomotic, and esophageal varices in a group of patients with chronic liver disease who underwent colectomy at the Mayo Clinic between 1970 and 1988. Morbidity was evaluated in terms of the number of major bleeding episodes and the number of units of blood transfused. The treatment of bleeding was also evaluated. One hundred seventeen patients (74 males and 43 females) aged 11-78 years were studied. Sixty-two patients (53 percent) had a permanent stoma, while 55 patients (47 percent) had a colonic resection and anastomosis. Sixty-seven patients (62 percent) had chronic ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. In the stoma group, bleeding appeared from stomal and/or esophageal varices in 19 patients (31 percent), while, in the non-stoma group, bleeding exclusively from the esophageal varices occurred in eight patients (15 percent). Perianastomotic variceal bleeding was never observed. The 5-year cumulative probabilities of one major bleed occurring from gastrointestinal varices appeared to be similar between the two groups. Patients who bled from peristomal varices with or without esophageal bleeding (n = 17) rebled more frequently (6.5 +/- 5.5 vs. 3 +/- 1.6; P less than 0.05) and were transfused more often (14.9 +/- 12.3 vs. 7.5 +/- 4.1; P less than 0.05) than patients who bled exclusively from esophageal varices (n = 10). No difference was found in the incidence of recurrent bleeding and the number of units of blood transfused between patients who bled exclusively from peristomal varices (n = 10) and those who bled from both peristomal and esophageal varices (n = 7). Medical and local measures were more effective in controlling esophageal bleeding than in controlling peristomal bleeding. Therefore, patients with chronic liver disease who must undergo colectomy should have a distal anastomosis rather than a terminal stoma.

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMed2003

The risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in elderly users of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: the role of gastroprotective drugs.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although the administration of gastroprotective drugs may reduce the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding due to intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin during chronic treatment, no consensus exists as to whether such co-therapy is effective in short-term prevention, particularly in old age. The aim of our study was to evaluate the risk of bleeding associated with acute and chronic NSAID or aspirin therapy in elderly subjects, and the influence of gastroprotective treatment on such a risk. METHODS: The study included 467 elderly NSAID or aspirin users and 1784 non-users, who consecutively underwent upper GI endoscopy. The use of NSAIDs and/or aspirin as well as gastroprotective drugs (misoprostol, H2-blockers, proton pump inhibitors) was evaluated during a structured interview. Upper GI tract bleeding was diagnosed on the basis of symptoms and endoscopic signs of recent hemorrhage. RESULTS: 54.2% of patients were acute and 45.8% chronic users of NSAIDs or aspirin. The risk of bleeding was higher in acute [odds ratio (OR) 4.14, 95% CI 2.97-5.78] than chronic users (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.1-2.67). The risk of bleeding, adjusted for age, gender, Helicobacter (H) pylori infection, and gastroprotective drug use were 7.87 (CI 4.90-12.60) in acute users and 3.97 (95% CI 2.27-6.96) in chronic users of NSAIDs and/or aspirin. The risk of bleeding was significantly associated with acute but not chronic use of regular-dose aspirin (OR 5.53, 95% CI 2.29-13.3), diclofenac (OR 4.44, 95% CI 2.21-8.93), ketorolac (OR 4.81, 95% CI 2.13-10.9), naproxen (OR 14.9, 95% CI 4.23-52.4) or nimesulide (OR 4.06, 95% CI 1.2-13.8). Piroxicam increased the risk of bleeding in both acute (OR 5.36, 95% CI 1.94-14.8) and chronic therapy (OR 5.53, 95% CI 1.23-24.9). In acute users, concomitant therapy with proton pump inhibitors reduced the risk of bleeding compared with non-users (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.19-5.65), whereas co-treatment with H2-blockers was associated with a significantly higher risk of bleeding than in non-users (OR 3.40, 95% CI 1.28-9.02). Chronic users of NSAIDs or aspirin co-treated with proton pump inhibitors had a lower risk of bleeding (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.21-6.07) than those treated with misoprostol (OR 1.91, 95% CI 0.33-10.9) or H2 blockers (OR 2.26, 95% CI 0.81-6.36). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of upper GI bleeding is significantly higher in elderly acute vs chronic users of NSAIDs or regular-dose aspirin. In acute NSAID or aspirin users, co-treatment with proton pump inhibitors, but not with H2-blockers, may reduce the risk of bleeding compared with non-users.

Aged↗
PubMed1981

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Diagnostic approach and management conclusions.

The management of patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding requires a systematic approach based on defined diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Although in 80 percent of patients bleeding will stop spontaneously, 25 percent will have rebleeding and 50 percent of those with rebleeding will bleed again. Angiography documents specific bleeding sites but raises questions related to the incidence, site and frequency of bleeding, as well as the necessity of demonstrating extravasation. We reviewed 49 arteriograms performed for lower gastrointestinal bleeding. We conclude from our findings that angiography identifies a presumptive cause of bleeding in 49 percent of patients; angiography identified the site of bleeding in 86 percent of the patients with active bleeding, thus allowing segmental colectomy. We believe that documentation of angiodysplasia in a patient with lower gastrointestinal bleeding is presumptive evidence for the site of bleeding. Angiography is useful and worthwhile in the work-up of patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding in an attempt to plan localized, definitive resection, and this may lead to a lower mortality rate.

Angiography↗
PubMed1992

Surgical approach to occult gastrointestinal bleeding.

In 5% of patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, standard evaluation fails to reveal the source of the bleeding. We describe the management of 71 patients treated for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding at the Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York, from 1985 to 1991. There were 38 men (54%) and 33 women (46%). The mean age was 60 years. The patients had bleeding episodes for a mean period of 26 months and required an average of 20 units of blood prior to surgical treatment. All had undergone an extensive diagnostic workup including barium contrast studies, endoscopies, and angiographies. Some had multiple bleeding scans, Meckel scans, and surgical explorations. Three patients were found to have "watermelon stomach" on endoscopy and had an antrectomy. Sixty-eight (96%) patients underwent a preoperative small bowel enteroscopy, which revealed the precise diagnosis in 50 (70%) of the patients. All patients underwent surgery. In 30 (42%) patients in whom the bleeding site was not apparent at exploration, intraoperative enteroscopy was performed. Two actively bleeding patients had intraoperative enteroscopy, which failed to localize the bleeding site, and intraoperative scintigraphy was utilized. The bleeding was found to originate in small bowel arteriovenous malformation (AVM) (28 patients), leiomyoma (8 patients), primary small bowel malignancies (11 patients), and other causes (24 patients). Fifty-six patients (80%) had no further bleeding; 9 with multiple small bowel AVM have experienced rebleeding and are alive. Six patients died of recurrent bleeding, and six died of metastatic cancer. An aggressive approach should be applied in patients in whom standard evaluation fails to localize the source of gastrointestinal bleeding. Enteroscopy, surgical exploration with additional intraoperative enteroscopy, and occasional intraoperative scintigraphy can achieve an excellent yield and allow resection and potential cure.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1995

Abnormal uterine bleeding on hormone replacement: the importance of intrauterine structural abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the importance of submucous myomas and endometrial polyps before and after menopause and in abnormal withdrawal bleeding on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). METHODS: Between May 1991 and May 1993, women presenting with abnormal withdrawal bleeding on HRT (n = 106), menstrual problems in pre-menopause (n = 92), or postmenopausal bleeding (n = 33) underwent diagnostic outpatient hysteroscopy for the presence of intrauterine structural abnormalities. The findings were compared with a control group of post- and perimenopausal women without bleeding problems (n = 183). RESULTS: When compared with women who had normal uterine cavities, the presence of submucous myomas was associated with a threefold increase in the risk of abnormal menstrual bleeding in premenopausal women (odds ratio [OR] 3.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.77-6.43; P < .001) and a twofold increase in the risk of abnormal withdrawal bleeding in post- and perimenopausal women (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.25-4.53; P = .004). This did not seem to be related to the number of myomas detected. The frequency of endometrial polyps was not found to be significantly higher in women who had menstrual disorders or abnormal withdrawal bleeding on HRT. Postmenopausal bleeding without hormonal stimulation was not significantly associated with submucous myomas or polyps. CONCLUSION: As increasingly more women request HRT, bleeding problems presenting pre-menopause can no longer be expected to resolve "naturally" after menopause. In the presence of submucous myomas, these women will continue to have a higher risk of abnormal withdrawal bleeding when treated with hormone replacement, whereas endometrial polyps are not associated with an increased bleeding risk. Hysteroscopic assessment of the uterine cavity and subsequent counseling as to the risk of heavy or prolonged bleeding will be helpful in their future management and may improve compliance.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Characteristics of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe vaginal bleeding and associated pain in pregnancies terminated by childbirth. DESIGN: A descriptive study based on information obtained by questionnaires administered during pregnancy. SETTING: Antenatal care clinic at the Obstetrical Department, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. SUBJECTS: Women (n = 8714) with singleton pregnancies attending routine antenatal care at the Department during a 2-year period from 1989 to 1991. Three questionnaires were administered during pregnancy and 5868 (67%) women completed all questionnaires. MAIN MEASURES: Bleeding was characterized by frequency, gestational age at first occurrence, duration, and amount. Hemorrhage associated with abdominal pain and hospitalization was also described. RESULTS: The overall frequency of bleeding was 19% (n = 1091). The median week of first occurrence was 8 gestational weeks. The median duration of bleeding was 2 days, and the median number of episodes was one. An association between the amount and duration of bleeding was found. Two thirds of the women had no abdominal pain associated with bleeding. Women with pain experienced heavier bleeding and bled for more days than women without pain. Bleeding resulted in hospitalization in one out of five women. In particular, women with second trimester bleeding, with heavy bleeding, long duration, and associated pain were hospitalized. CONCLUSION: By the use of self-administered questionnaires a higher frequency of bleeding was found than in previous studies in which information has been based on medical records. Thus, the source of information in studies of pregnancy and bleeding-associated pregnancy complications must be carefully considered and described.

Abdominal Pain↗