Outcomes of Early Versus Delayed Colonoscopy in Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding Using a Hospital Administrative Database. Issue 8 (September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nigam, Neha; Patel, Parita; Sengupta, Neil
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical gastroenterology. Volume 52:Issue 8(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-09
• Subjects: colonoscopy -- lower gastrointestinal bleeding -- mortality; Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; Digestive organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; Digestive organs -- Diseases; Gastroenterology; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.33005
• DOI: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000000937
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0192-0790

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Limited data exist on whether early colonoscopy for lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) alters 30-day mortality, performance of endoscopic intervention, or need for blood transfusion. Our primary objective was to determine whether early colonoscopy in LGIB is associated with decreased 30-day mortality using a large hospital administrative database. Methods: Patients hospitalized between January 2008 and September 2015 were identified using a validated, machine learning algorithm for identifying patients with LGIB. "Early" colonoscopy occurred by day 2 of admission and "late" colonoscopy between days 3 and 5. A propensity score for early colonoscopy was constructed using plausible confounders. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to determine factors associated with 30-day mortality, endoscopic intervention, and transfusion need. The propensity score was included as a confounding factor for mortality analysis in the multivariable model. Results: In total, 1204 patients underwent colonoscopy for LGIB. Of these, 295 patients (25%) underwent early colonoscopy, and these patients had a lower Charlson Comorbidity Index ( P =0.001) and shorter length of stay (3 vs. 5 d, P =0.0001). Early colonoscopy was not associated with decreased 30-day mortality [odds ratio (OR), 0.73; confidence interval (CI), 0.27-1.69], but was associated with increased endoscopic intervention (OR, 2.62; CI, 1.37-4.95) and decreased need for transfusion (OR, 0.65; CI, 0.49-0.87). On multivariable analysis adjusting for timing of colonoscopy, age, and propensity score for early colonoscopy, early colonoscopy was not associated with a decrease in 30-day mortality (OR, 1.37; CI, 0.50-3.79). Conclusions: Early colonoscopy does not affect 30-day mortality but may allow for earlier endoscopic intervention and decreased transfusion need.