The Safety of Endoscopic Procedures in Patients With Thrombocytopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Endoscopic procedures are essential in gastroenterology but pose significant risks for thrombocytopenic patients who have lower platelet counts, increasing the likelihood of bleeding complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to assess bleeding risks in thrombocytopenic patients undergoing various endoscopic procedures. A comprehensive search was conducted across databases like PubMed, MEDLINE, and EBSCO, using stringent criteria for inclusion and exclusion, with study quality assessed via the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and thrombocytopenia severity classified by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) criteria. Statistical analysis focused on bleeding event incidence rates at different platelet count thresholds, utilizing RevMan Web (Cochrane, London, UK) and Excel (Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, WA). The search yielded 1,675 potential articles, but only three retrospective cohort studies were selected. Results showed a significant increase in bleeding risk for patients with platelet counts below 50,000/mm³, particularly under 25,000/mm³, with a 5.5% prevalence of post-procedure bleeding in moderate to severe thrombocytopenic patients versus 4.0% in those with higher counts, and a threefold higher risk in severe thrombocytopenia. The study highlights the need for meticulous pre-procedure assessments in thrombocytopenic patients and points out disparities in guideline recommendations, suggesting personalized approaches based on patient-specific risks. It underscores balancing diagnostic yield against bleeding risks, especially in severe thrombocytopenia, and discusses the controversial role of prophylactic platelet transfusions, advocating for a nuanced approach. In conclusion, this meta-analysis provides critical insights into managing thrombocytopenia in endoscopic procedures, emphasizing the importance of individualized patient assessment and adherence to evolving guidelines, and underlining the necessity of further research to refine these guidelines and improve patient safety and outcomes in this challenging clinical scenario.