Management of gastrointestinal bleed in the intensive care setting, an updated literature review
Vignesh Krishnan Nagesh, Sai Priyanka Pulipaka, Ruchi Bhuju, Emelyn Martinez, Shruthi Badam, Gomathy A. Nageswaran, Hadrian Hoang-Vu Tran, Daniel Eliáš, Charlene Mansour, Jaber Musalli, Sanket Bhattarai, Lokeash Subramani Shobana, Tannishtha Sethi, Ritvik Sethi, Namrata Nikum, Chinmay Trivedi, Amer Jarri, Colin Westman, Nazir Ahmed, Shawn Philip, Simcha Weissman, Jonathan Weinberger, Ayrton Bangolo
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a critical and potentially life-threatening condition frequently observed in the intensive care unit (ICU). This literature review consolidates current insights on the epidemiology, etiology, management, and outcomes of GI bleeding in critically ill patients. GI bleeding remains a significant concern, especially among patients with underlying risk factors such as coagulopathy, mechanical ventilation, and renal failure. Managing GI bleeding in the ICU requires a multidisciplinary approach, including resuscitation, endoscopic intervention, pharmacologic therapy, and sometimes surgical procedures. Even with enhanced management strategies, GI bleeding in the ICU is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, particularly when complicated by multi-organ failure. This review reiterates the need for adequate resuscitation and interventions in managing GI bleeding in critically ill patients, aiming to enhance survival rates and improve the quality of care within the ICU setting.