Improved Patient Survival After Acute Variceal Bleeding: A Multicenter, Cohort Study

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2003.07294.x
• Publication Date: 2004-03-23T14:20:17Z
• Authors: Naga Chalasani; Charles Kahi; Fritz Francois; Amar Pinto; Atul Marathe; Edmund J. Bini; Prashant Pandya; Shanti Sitaraman; Jianzhao Shen
• Keywords: Varix

Existing literature indicates that the mortality rate with each variceal bleeding episode is 30-50%. Over past 2 decades, there have been significant developments in management of bleeding. The effect these on natural history unclear. Therefore, a retrospective, multicenter study was conducted to define outcomes and describe patterns current practice bleeding.All patients documented hospitalized at four large county hospitals from January 1, 1997, June 30, 2000, were included. Study in-hospital, 6-wk, overall mortality, rebleeding, transfusion requirement, length stay. After discharge, followed until death or closure date, 2000.A total 231 subjects included, their rates 14.2%, 17.5%, 33.5%, respectively. frequency rebleeding during follow-up 29%. Median hospital stay 8 days (0-34 days). number packed red cell units transfused 4 U (0-60 U). Upper endoscopy performed 95% within 24 h, endoscopic therapy done all but eight (ligation 64%, sclerotherapy 33%). Octreotide administered 74% patients. Portasystemic shunts 7.5% for controlling acute bleeding.The after this substantially lower than previously reported. This suggests advances made improved