Lack of follow-up of anaemia after discharge from an upper gastrointestinal bleeding centre.

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Lack of follow-up of anaemia after discharge from an upper gastrointestinal bleeding centre.

Dan Med J. 2013 Mar;60(3):A4583

Authors: Bager P, Dahlerup JF

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding is common and anaemia at discharge also occurs frequently. Follow-up studies of patients after discharge are limited. Furthermore, guidelines for follow-up and treatment of post-discharge anaemia have not been published.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a local, retrospective evaluation of patients admitted for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
RESULTS: The retrospective evaluation found that more than 80% of the patients admitted for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding were discharged with apparent anaemia, and oral iron supplementation was recommended for 16% of the discharged anaemic patients. Our study revealed no standardised follow-up protocols for anaemic patients.
CONCLUSION: The follow-up practice for patients with anaemia was inconsistent. Based on our research, well-designed studies are needed to determine the most effective post-discharge treatment for patients who are still anaemic at discharge after endoscopic treatment of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
FUNDING: not relevant.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.

PMID: 23484606 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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