Acute GI Bleeding

Question 1

What are the common causes of acute GI haemorrhage?

Answer 1

1) Peptic ulcer
2) Oesophagitis (reflux, alcohol)
3) Gastritis (H.pylori, NSAID, Alcohol)
4) Varices (portal hypertension)

Question 2

How are acute GI bleeds treated?

Answer 2

1) Resuscitation

Target the following:

• Alert patient
• BP
• Urine output
• Hb 80

2) Nil by mouth

3) Stop harmful medications (NSAID, Antiplatelets, anticoagulants, antihypertensive)

4) Reversal of harmful medications (warfarin)

5) Endoscopic therapies (adrenaline injection, clips, bands)

6) Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic shunt (TIPSS)