Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Cardinal Presentations

This post is part of a series called “Cardinal Presentations”, based on Rosen’s Emergency Medicine (8th edition).

Evaluation and Management of Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Evaluation and Management of Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Key Historical Features

Quantity
Patient’s estimate
Symptoms suggestive of anemia/volume depletion: (pre)syncope, dyspnea
Appearance/Location
Distinguish upper from lower GI bleding
PMH
Prior episodes and source
History of aortic aneurysm graft
Comorbidities: presence of CAD, CHF, liver disease or diabetes increases mortality
Medications/substance use
Gastrotoxic, anti-coagulants, anti-platelet agents
Alcohol abuse

Key Physical Findings

Vital signs
Tachycardia or hypotension
Eyes
Conjuntival pallor suggests anemia
Scleral icterus suggests liver disease
Abdomen
Hyperactive bowel sounds may be present in UGIB (blood is cathartic)
Epigastric tenderness to palpation suggests PUD
Diffuse tenderness suggests bowel ischemia, obstruction/ileus, or perforation
Rectal (digital, anoscopy)
May reveal fissures, hemorrhoids or polyps

Labs/Diagnostic Tests

  • CBC: consider transfusion for Hb <8-10g/dL particularly in elderly or those with CAD
  • BMP: BUN:creatinine > 36 in the absence of renal failure suggests UGIB
  • PT/PTT/INR: coagulopathy
  • Lactate: elevated in bowel ischemia or systemic hypoperfusion
  • T&S or T&C
  • ECG: screen for myocardial ischemia

Blatchford Scoring System

Item Value Points
BUN 18-22 2
22-28 3
28-70 4
>70 6
Hb (male) 12-13 1
10-12 3
<10 6
Hb (female) 10-12 1
<10 6
SBP 100-109 1
90-99 2
<90 3
Other HR > 100 1
Melena 1
Syncope 2
Liver disease 2
Heart failure 2

References:

  1. Goralnick, E., & Meguerdichian, D. (2013). Gastrointestinal Bleeding. In Rosen's Emergency Medicine – Concepts and Clinical Practice (8th ed., Vol. 1, pp. 248-253). Elsevier Health Sciences.