Gastrointestinal bleeding

Abstract

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in the critical care environment is a relatively common clinical event. The incidence of GIB is 103/100,000 cases per year in the United Kingdom (UK).1 Of these, 14% occur in patients who are already hospitalized.1 In the United States (US) the incidence of clinically significant GIB from stress-related mucosal disease (SRMD) has been estimated at 1.5%.2 GIB can be the primary reason for admission or can develop as a secondary comorbid factor in relation to the primary illness. Patients with this complication can have an increased length of stay and up to a fourfold rise in mortality.3 © 2010 Springer-Verlag US.