Abstract
Background
No current data are available on rebleeding and mortality risk in patients who use alcohol excessively and are admitted for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB). This information could help in planning interventions and follow-up protocols for these patients.
Aim
This study provides contemporary data on the long-term outcome after first-time NVUGIB in alcohol abusers (AAs) compared to non-abusers (NAs).
Methods
Consecutive patients hospitalized for their first acute gastrointestinal bleeding from 2009 through 2011 were retrospectively recorded and categorized as AA or NA. Risk factors for one-year mortality and rebleeding were identified, and patients were further monitored for long-term mortality until 2015.
Results
Alcohol abuse was identified in 19.7 % of patients with NVUGIB (n = 518). The one-year rebleeding rate was 16.7 % in AAs versus 9.1 % in NAs (P = 0.027). Alcohol abuse was associated with a twofold increase in rebleeding risk (P = 0.025); the risk especially increased 6 months after the initial bleeding. The study groups did not differ significantly in 30-day (6.0 %) or one-year mortality rates (20.5 %). However, there was a tendency for higher overall mortality in AAs than NAs after adjustment of comorbidities.
Conclusion
AAs with NVUGIB are at high risk of rebleeding, and mortality is increased in AA patients. A close follow-up strategy and long-term proton pump inhibitor therapy are recommended for AA patients with peptic ulcer or esophagitis.
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Kärkkäinen, J.M., Miilunpohja, S., Rantanen, T. et al. Alcohol Abuse Increases Rebleeding Risk and Mortality in Patients with Non-variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding. Dig Dis Sci 60, 3707–3715 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-015-3806-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-015-3806-6