# Predicting the need for urgent endoscopic intervention in lower gastrointestinal bleeding: a retrospective review

## TL;DR

This study identifies a significant predictor for the need of urgent endoscopic intervention in patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

## Contribution

The study identifies a hemoglobin drop of >20 g/L as a novel predictor for urgent endoscopic intervention in LGIB patients.

## Key findings

- A hemoglobin drop of >20 g/L was the only variable significantly associated with the need for endoscopic intervention (p=0.030).
- Tachycardia, hypotension, or anticoagulation use were not significantly linked to endoscopic intervention (p>0.05).

## Abstract

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a common reason for emergency department visits and subsequent hospitalizations. Recent data suggests that low-risk patients may be safely evaluated as an outpatient. Recommendations for healthcare systems to identify low-risk patients who can be safely discharged with timely outpatient follow-up have yet to be established. The primary objective of this study was to determine the role of patient predictors for the patients with LGIB to receive urgent endoscopic intervention.

A retrospective chart review was performed on 142 patients. Data was collected on patient demographics, clinical features, comorbidities, medications, hemodynamic parameters, laboratory values, and diagnostic imaging. Logistic regression analysis, independent samples t-testing, Mann Whitney U testing for non-parametric data, and univariate analysis of categorical variables by Chi square test was performed to determine relationships within the data.

On logistic regression analysis, A hemoglobin drop of > 20 g/L was the only variable that predicted endoscopic intervention (p = 0.030). Tachycardia, hypotension, or presence of anticoagulation were not significantly associated with endoscopic intervention (p > 0.05).

A hemoglobin drop of > 20 g/L was the only patient parameter that predicted the need for urgent endoscopic intervention in the emergency department.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12873-024-00990-3.