The Timing of Emergency Endoscopy for Esophagogastric Variceal Bleeding in Cirrhosis

A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study on the Timing of Emergency Endoscopy for Esophagogastric Variceal Bleeding in Cirrhosis

This study is a prospective, multi-center and observational clinical study. Investigators would like to explore the optimal emergency endoscopy timing in cirrhosis patients with esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB) by evaluating and comparing the efficacy and safety of emergency endoscopy performed at different times ( within 6 hours or between 6 and 24 hours after gastroenterologic consultation ) and its impact on the short-term prognosis.

Between July 2021 and April 2022, patients with cirrhosis undergoing emergency endoscopy due to EGVB are enrolled consecutively according to the following criteria: (1) age≥18 years; (2) A definite diagnosis of cirrhosis (confirmed by medical history, laboratory examination and imaging examination); (3) The cause of bleeding was identified as esophageal and/or gastric vein rupture. Exclusion criteria are as follows: (1) End-stage diseases of major organs (such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, end-stage renal disease, and malignancies other than hepatocellular carcinoma); (2) The subject (or legal representative/guardian) refused to sign the informed consent.

Patients were divided into urgent-endoscopy group (< 6h) and early-endoscopy group (6h-24h) according to the time interval from gastroenterologic consultation to the start of emergency endoscopy.

Investigators will collect patients' data of baseline character, treatment, postoperative and follow-up. All patients will be followed up until death or the end of the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age≥18 years
• A definite diagnosis of cirrhosis (confirmed by medical history, laboratory examination and imaging examination)
• The cause of bleeding was identified as esophageal and/or gastric vein rupture

Exclusion Criteria:

• End-stage diseases of major organs (such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, end-stage renal disease, and malignancies other than hepatocellular carcinoma)
• The subject (or legal representative/guardian) refused to sign the informed consent