Gastrointestinal bleeding in the elderly.
Gastrointestinal bleeding affects a substantial number of elderly people and is a frequent indication for hospitalization. Bleeding can originate from either the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract, and patients with gastrointestinal bleeding present with a range of symptoms. In the elderly, the nature, severity, and outcome of bleeding are influenced by the presence of medical comorbidities and the use of antiplatelet medication. This Review discusses trends in the epidemiology and outcome of gastrointestinal bleeding in elderly patients. Specific causes of upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding are discussed, and recommendations for approaches to endoscopic diagnosis and therapy are given.
Yachimski
Patrick S
PS
Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, MA, USA.
Friedman
Lawrence S
LS
D000367:Age Factors; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000379:methods*; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D014943:Global Health; D006489:Hemostatic Techniques; D006801:Humans; D009017:Morbidity / Q000639:trends; D011379:Prognosis; D015996:Survival Rate / Q000639:trends