Red blood cell transfusion is associated with increased rebleeding in patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Background There exists considerable practice variation and little evidence to guide red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB). Studies in other critically ill cohorts suggest associations between transfusions and adverse patient outcomes. Aim To characterise any possible clinically-relevant association between RBC transfusion following NVUGIB with rebleeding and mortality. Methods Observational study utilising the Canadian Registry of patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Endoscopy (RUGBE). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine and quantify independent associations between RBC transfusion and clinical outcomes. Results Overall, 1677 patients were included (66.2 +/- 16.8 years, 61.7% male, 2.5 +/- 1.7 comorbid conditions, initial haemoglobin, 96.8 +/- 27.2 g/L); 53.7% received RBC transfusions (2.9 +/- 1.6 units of blood), 31.6% had haemodynamic instability, 5.1% fresh blood on rectal examination and 8.6% in the nasogastric tube aspirate. Endoscopic haemostasis was performed in 35.2%. Overall rebleeding (defined as continuous bleeding, rebleeding or surgery) and mortality rates were 17.9% and 5.4%, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, transfusion of RBC within 24 h of presentation was significantly and independently associated with an increased risk of rebleeding (OR: 1.0, 95% CI: 0.61.8), but not death (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 0.942.23). Conclusions This study suggests an association between RBC transfusion following NVUGIB and subsequent rebleeding, after appropriate and extensive adjustment for confounding. Prospective randomised trial evidence is needed to identify the most efficacious and cost-effective transfusional strategies in these patients.