AUGIB continues to result in substantial mortality although it appears to be lower than in 1993. Mortality is particularly high among inpatients and those bleeding from varices or upper gastrointestinal malignancy. Surgical or radiological interventions are little used currently.

Abbreviations: COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; FEV 1 , forced expiratory volume in 1 second; LOS, length of stay 837 www.thoraxjnl.com

This study raises important questions about the clinical benefit of much of current FFP usage. It highlights the pressing need for better studies to inform and evaluate quantitative data for the effect of plasma on standard coagulation tests.