[Endoscopic hemostasis in hemorrhagic peptic ulcer. A review and pilot study of local thrombin injection combined with systemic fibrinolysis inhibition (with tranexamic acid)]

Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 1990 Feb 10;110(4):497-500.
[Article in Norwegian]

Abstract

Today, most upper GI-haemorrhages can be handled without surgery. We discuss the available endoscopic haemostatic methods. Injection therapy seems to be as effective as laser-, heater probe- and bipolar electrocoagulation, and is often preferred because the equipment is inexpensive. In a pilot study of 37 patients with haemorrhage from peptic ulcer (13 with active bleeding and 24 with stigmata of recent hemorrhage) we injected thrombin in the ulcer base and treated the patients systemically with an antifibrinolytic drug (tranexamic acid) for five days. Endoscopic follow-up revealed stigmata of recent haemorrhage in 23 patients on day 1 and in eight patients on day 5. "Blood in stomach" was seen in eight patients on day 1 and in two patients on day 5. Four patients had clinical signs of rebleeding, but only one of them needed operation (definite hemostasis 97%). There were no obvious side effects of the treatment. Contrary to other endoscopic methods, local injection of thrombin does not damage the normal mucosa. However, the method has not been sufficiently explored as yet, and cannot be recommended without strict control and follow-up measures. Early control endoscopy seems to be a sensitive way of monitoring haemostasis.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Gastroscopy
  • Hemostatic Techniques*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Peptic Ulcer Hemorrhage / drug therapy*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Thrombin / administration & dosage*
  • Tranexamic Acid / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids
  • Tranexamic Acid
  • Thrombin