Interní Med. 2014; 16(4): 152-155

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding

MUDr.Vladimír Kojecký, Ph.D.

Interní klinika IPVZ, Krajská nemocnice T. Bati, a.s., Zlín

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is the most common acute event in gastroenterology. Despite an increase in the treatment options, the

overall mortality rate has virtually remained unchanged in the recent decades, particularly due to a higher incidence and mortality rate

of bleeding in elderly people. It is imperative to initiate pharmacotherapy prior to endoscopy. In non-varicose bleeding, proton pump

inhibitors are indicated, in varicose bleeding vasoactive agents and antibiotics. Early endoscopy can be used to achieve hemostasis in

over three-quarters of individuals, regardless of the type of bleeding. Pharmacotherapy must be continued even after the bleeding has

been stopped, with subsequent prophylaxis of recurrence in those indicated for it (H. pylori eradication, proton pump inhibitors, beta

blockers, variceal eradication).

Keywords: gastrointestinal bleeding, digestive endoscopy, melena, esophageal and gastric varices

Published: June 1, 2014  Show citation