• Amir Klein and Ian M Gralnek.
• aBruce and Ruth Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology bDepartment of Gastroenterology, Rambam Healthcare Campus, Haifa cDepartment of Gastroenterology, Ha'Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel.
• Curr Opin Crit Care. 2015 Apr 1;21(2):154-62.

Purpose Of ReviewAcute, nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common medical emergency encountered worldwide. Despite medical and technological advances, it remains associated with significant morbidity and mortality.Recent FindingsRapid patient assessment and management are paramount. When indicated, upper endoscopy in patients presenting with acute UGIB is effective for both diagnosis of the bleeding site and provision of endoscopic hemostasis. Endoscopic hemostasis significantly reduces rebleeding rates, blood transfusion requirements, length of hospital stay, surgery, and mortality. Furthermore, early upper endoscopy, defined as being performed within 24 h of patient presentation, improves patient outcomes.SummaryA structured approach to the patient with acute UGIB that includes early hemodynamic resuscitation and stabilization, preendoscopic risk stratification using validated instruments, pharmacologic and endoscopic intervention, and postendoscopy therapy is important to optimize patient outcome and assure efficient use of medical resources.

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