Gastrointestinal bleeding during the COVID-19 pandemic: More severe and less clear

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has led patients to avoid medical care, and hospitals to limit high-risk procedures. Methods We conducted a cohort study to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the presentation and outcomes of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). Results Patients admitted during the pandemic were more likely to present with severe hemorrhage and to have a drop of hemoglobin ≥ 2g/dL. The origin of GIB was also more likely to remain unknown. Admission during the pandemic was an independent predictor of severe hemorrhage (HR = 2.08, [1.07–4.05]). Conclusion During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with GIB were more likely to present with more severe hemorrhage.