title: Patient assessment and resuscitation.
abstract: The patient with acute variceal bleeding requires prompt attention and is best served by an organized approach to assessment and resuscitation. Knowledge of the differential diagnosis for acute bleeding from portal hypertension is essential. Special attention is needed during resuscitation regarding endotracheal intubation, intravenous resuscitation, and management of coagulopathy and thrombocytopenia. Carefully selected patients may be triaged into outpatient, overnight observation, routine inpatient, and intensive care settings.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Gostout
mesh_terms: D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000628:therapy*; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D010045:Outpatients; D010437:Peptic Ulcer / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000379:methods*