Short report on acute gastro-intestinal bleeding admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems globally.
• National lockdowns were implemented to curb viral transmission, potentially impacting various medical conditions.
• Acute gastrointestinal bleeding (AGIB) is a common medical emergency requiring timely endoscopic intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of national lockdowns on the incidence of acute gastrointestinal bleeding.
• To assess the outcomes of patients with concomitant gastrointestinal bleeding and COVID-19.
• To evaluate the adaptability and resilience of endoscopy services during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patient data during national lockdown periods.
• Comparison of AGIB incidence rates before and during lockdowns.
• Chart review of patients diagnosed with both AGIB and COVID-19.
• Assessment of endoscopy service utilization and procedural outcomes.

Main Results:

• A significant reduction in the number of acute gastrointestinal bleeding cases was observed during national lockdowns.
• Patients presenting with concurrent gastrointestinal bleeding and COVID-19 exhibited a markedly poorer prognosis.
• Endoscopy services demonstrated significant adaptability in managing patient care amidst pandemic-related disruptions.

Conclusions:

• National lockdowns were associated with a decreased incidence of acute gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Co-infection with COVID-19 significantly worsened the prognosis for patients with gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Endoscopy units successfully adapted to maintain essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic.