Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2024 | Gastrointestinal Bleeding | Research
Predicting the need for urgent endoscopic intervention in lower gastrointestinal bleeding: a retrospective review
Published in: BMC Emergency Medicine | Issue 1/2024
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Background
Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a common reason for emergency department visits and subsequent hospitalizations. Recent data suggests that low-risk patients may be safely evaluated as an outpatient. Recommendations for healthcare systems to identify low-risk patients who can be safely discharged with timely outpatient follow-up have yet to be established. The primary objective of this study was to determine the role of patient predictors for the patients with LGIB to receive urgent endoscopic intervention.
Methods
A retrospective chart review was performed on 142 patients. Data was collected on patient demographics, clinical features, comorbidities, medications, hemodynamic parameters, laboratory values, and diagnostic imaging. Logistic regression analysis, independent samples t-testing, Mann Whitney U testing for non-parametric data, and univariate analysis of categorical variables by Chi square test was performed to determine relationships within the data.
Results
On logistic regression analysis, A hemoglobin drop of > 20 g/L was the only variable that predicted endoscopic intervention (p = 0.030). Tachycardia, hypotension, or presence of anticoagulation were not significantly associated with endoscopic intervention (p > 0.05).
Conclusions
A hemoglobin drop of > 20 g/L was the only patient parameter that predicted the need for urgent endoscopic intervention in the emergency department.