Management of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis of the liver

Abstract

Ruptured gastroesophageal varices are the most severe and frequent cause of gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhotic patients, leading to death in 5% to 8% of patients during the first 48 hours. In recent times, the 6-week mortality rate has fallen to 20% due to the development of effective treatment strategies. Initial treatment is aimed at achieving hemostasis and preventing bleeding-related complications such as renal failure, infection, and hepatic decompensation. Blood volume replacement is initiated as soon as possible and antibiotic prophylaxis is instituted from admission. Hemostatic treatment for variceal bleeding includes vasoactive drugs to decrease portal pressure, endoscopic procedures, and portosystemic shunts-either a surgical or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Treatment of coagulopathy has only been recently assessed in clinical studies, but results to date are promising. This article reviews the current clinical data on management strategies for variceal bleeding and presents the risks and benefits for each type of treatment. Specific sections on gastric varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy are included.