Acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Purpose of review To review recent literature (2009-2010) on acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Recent findings There is a decreasing trend in the incidence and hospitalization for acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage worldwide, with significant improvement in rebleeding and mortality. One study showed that Glasgow-Blatchford score was superior to Rockall score in predicting the need of intervention or death. None of those categorized as low risk required any intervention. Another database research from United States demonstrated that those managed as outpatients upon clinician decision had 6.3% mortality. Recent meta-analysis demonstrated that epinephrine injection should be used in combination with one other modality for hemostasis in bleeding ulcers, whereas thermal, sclerosant, clips and thrombin/fibrin glue appeared to be effective alone. Despite meta-analysis showing that second look endoscopy with thermal therapy reduced rebleeding, international consensus from experts recommended proton pump inhibitor infusion as the preferred strategy to prevent ulcer rebleeding. Summary Epidemiological studies worldwide confirmed reduction in the incidence and improvement in clinical outcomes for acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients categorized as low risk may be managed as outpatients. Endoscopic therapy remained the mainstay of ulcer hemostasis and high dose proton pump inhibitor infusion should be employed to prevent rebleeding.