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Researchers have identified a unique bleeding syndrome associated with cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

The findings are published in the April 21, 2017, online edition of the Journal of Investigative Medicine.

The syndrome is characterised by typical presentation with acute bleeding (hematemesis, melena, or haematochezia) and also the presence of chronic gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, documented as iron deficiency anaemia.

The researchers have coined a term for the syndrome: acute on chronic bleeding.

“This is recognition of a common syndrome of which practicing physicians should be aware,” said Don C. Rockey, MD, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.

Of the 1,460 patients with GI bleeding involved in the study, 430 (29%) were found to have acute on chronic GI bleeding.

The bleeding in patients with upper GI bleeding was most often a result of portal hypertensive upper GI tract pathology.

The investigators advise that clinicians confronted with patients who have acute on chronic bleeding should be aware of the association of this presentation with cirrhosis and portal hypertension for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

SOURCE: Medical University of South Carolina