Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 28, 2025

The Role of Indocyanine Green Fluorescence in Complex Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Navigation
03:27

The Role of Indocyanine Green Fluorescence in Complex Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Navigation

Published on: January 31, 2025

695

Outcomes of Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients With COVID-19: A Case-Control Study

Umair Iqbal1, Pooja D Patel2, Christopher A Pluskota3

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA, USA.

Gastroenterology Research
|April 4, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Patients with COVID-19 and acute gastrointestinal bleeding (AGIB) had longer hospital stays and higher ICU admission rates. However, COVID-19 did not significantly increase mortality, rebleeding, or transfusion needs compared to non-COVID-19 patients with AGIB.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with increased risk of acute gastrointestinal bleeding (AGIB).
  • Factors contributing to AGIB risk in COVID-19 include steroid use, mechanical ventilation, and anticoagulation.
  • This study investigates AGIB outcomes in COVID-19 patients compared to non-COVID-19 patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare in-hospital or 30-day mortality and length of stay for AGIB in COVID-19-positive versus non-COVID-19 patients.
  • To evaluate secondary outcomes including rebleeding rates, ICU admission, and blood transfusion needs.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study design was employed, including patients diagnosed with AGIB from March 2020 to February 2021.
  • Patients were categorized into two groups: COVID-19-positive and non-COVID-19.
  • Primary outcomes included mortality and length of stay; secondary outcomes comprised rebleeding, ICU admission, and transfusion requirements.

Main Results:

  • COVID-19 patients had significantly lower rates of endoscopy (33.3% vs. 74.1%) and higher steroid use (83.3% vs. 14.8%).
  • COVID-19-positive patients were more likely to require ICU admission (OR: 20.41) and had a longer hospital length of stay (OR: 1.08).
  • No significant differences were observed in mortality, 30-day readmission, blood transfusion, or rebleeding rates between the groups.

Conclusions:

  • COVID-19 patients experiencing AGIB face higher risks of ICU admission and prolonged hospitalization.
  • Despite reduced endoscopic interventions in COVID-19 patients, critical outcomes like mortality, rebleeding, and transfusion needs were comparable to non-COVID-19 patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
Acute gastrointestinal bleedingCOVID-19Lower GI bleedingMortalityUpper GI bleeding

Related Concept Videos

Gastritis III: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:23

Gastritis III: Clinical Manifestations and Management

The clinical manifestations of gastritis can vary depending on the cause and type of gastritis, but some common symptoms may include the following.
Clinical manifestations of acute gastritis
The patient with acute gastritis may have a rapid onset of symptoms, such as epigastric pain or discomfort, dyspepsia, anorexia, hiccups, or nausea and vomiting, which can last from a few hours to a few days. Erosive or hemorrhagic gastritis may cause bleeding, which may manifest as blood in vomit or as...
547
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management01:28

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
162
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis01:27

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
385
Peptic Ulcer Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peptic Ulcer Disease I: Introduction

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) is characterized by mucosal excavation in the esophagus, stomach, pylorus, or duodenum. It can manifest as acute or chronic based on the extent and duration of mucosal involvement.
An acute ulcer, marked by superficial erosion and minimal inflammation, swiftly resolves upon identifying and addressing the underlying cause. In contrast, a chronic ulcer persists, potentially eroding through the muscular wall and forming fibrous tissue.
Peptic ulcers can also be...
312
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:28

Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) presents with diverse symptoms depending on the location and severity of the ulcer. Clinical manifestations of peptic ulcer include dull pain and a burning sensation in the mid-epigastric region.
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
218
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:30

Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Acute pancreatitis presents a complex medical emergency characterized by rapid onset inflammation of the pancreas, demanding timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications. The condition primarily manifests through severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back. This pain intensifies following the consumption of fatty foods. Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, fever, dyspnea, cyanosis, and jaundice can vary in intensity but significantly...
188