Summary
1. The aim of blood transfusion in upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage is the restoration and maintenance of a normal blood volume.
2. Evidence of the size of the blood loss is often difficult to obtain from the clinical history or from the hemoglobin level, red cell count, or hematocrit. It should be estimated by means of determination of the blood volume.
3. The lost blood should be replaced quantitatively.
4. It is dangerous to continue transfusions and other conservative means of treatment indefinitely in the face of long-persisting or recurrent hemorrhage. A definite time limit is recommended for the trial of such measures, after which emergency surgery should be carried out.
5. Adequate transfusion and early operation are of particular importance in the treatment of frail or elderly patients.
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Gunz, F.W., Burry, A.F. & Hough, R.F. Transfusion in upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Digest Dis Sci 2, 242–253 (1957). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02231101
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02231101