The American College of Gastroenterology Bleeding Registry: preliminary findings

The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Institute for Clinical Research and Education conducted a survey study to assess demographics, management strategies, and outcome for patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. This pilot project was intended to determine the feasibility of surveying the ACG membership about common clinical issues.

Color-coded survey forms were sent to all ACG members and Fellows, with instructions to supply information about demographics, presenting symptoms, management, and outcome for bleeding patients and procedure-matched controls. Forms returned between June 1 and August 31, 1995, were tabulated and analyzed for differences between the bleeding group and procedure-matched controls.

A total of 1235 forms were returned by respondents, 60% of whom were in private practice. Patient demographics indicated that bleeding patients were significantly older, more likely to be male, and more likely to use alcohol, tobacco, and prescription or over-the-counter aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anticoagulants than were controls. Upper GI bleeding accounted for 76% of bleeding events, with duodenal and gastric ulcers being the source in more than 50% of the upper GI bleeders. Diverticula was the most common bleeding source identified in lower GI bleeders. In the bleeding group, 78.8% were anemic, with 60.9% having hemoglobin of <10 g/dl; 31% presented with orthostatic changes in blood pressure or shock. Most bleeding subjects, regardless of source, were hospitalized, 58.2% received blood transfusions, and 45.5% received endoscopic therapy. Rebleeding (11.2%), need for surgery (7.1%), and fatalities (2.1%) were uncommon. Over-the-counter aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were used significantly more often in the bleeding population (47.6%) than in controls (19.4%).

The success of the GI Bleeding Registry supports the feasibility of surveying ACG members about common clinical problems. Data suggest that ACG members manage sick patients with severe gastrointestinal bleeding who require hospitalization, transfusions, and endoscopic treatment. These preliminary results will serve as an impetus to conduct further survey studies of gastrointestinal bleeding and other common digestive disease conditions.