Hemostasis: Role of PuraStat® in the prevention and management of gastrointestinal bleeding

Abstract

The management of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding patients during endoscopy remains a challenge. Hemorrhage is still one of the significant causes of morbidity and even death. Several therapeutic options have been used over the years depending on the extent, site and cause of bleeding. These include thermal therapy, injection therapy, and mechanical methods of hemostasis (e.g., endoscopic clips and ligation bands). Patients with refractory bleeding, high-risk ulcer lesions, malignant disease, antiplatelet medications, and chronic kidney disease are at increased risk of upper and lower GI bleeding (LGIB). In this editorial, I commented on the paper by Ballester et al. Their work aimed at evaluating PuraStat^® (TDM-621), a novel hemostatic agent, particularly its efficacy, applications, feasibility, and safety in treating GI bleeding lesions. The authors concluded that PuraStat^® is an effective therapy for GI bleeding and is usually easy to use. Although the authors recommended its consideration as a frontline therapy in the future, they did not explore the clinical and GI uses of PuraStat^®. This editorial focuses on the pharmacology of PuraStat^® and how it differs from Hemospray^® (TC-325) (hemostatic powder). It also explores the current experience of using PuraStat^® in upper and LGIB, its uses and safety, and the need for further research to fully understand its potential.

Keywords: Efficacy; Endoscopy; Gastrointestinal bleeding; Hemostatic; High-risk bleeding; Management; Prevention; Procedure; PuraStat®; Safety.