A prospective, randomized trial of large- versus small-volume endoscopic injection of epinephrine for peptic ulcer bleeding

Gastrointest Endosc. 2002 May;55(6):615-9. doi: 10.1067/mge.2002.123271.

Abstract

Background: Endoscopic injection of epinephrine in the treatment of bleeding peptic ulcer is considered highly effective, safe, inexpensive, and easy to use. However, bleeding recurs in 6% to 36% of patients. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal dose of epinephrine for endoscopic injection in the treatment of patients with bleeding peptic ulcer.

Methods: One hundred fifty-six patients with active bleeding or nonbleeding visible vessels were randomized to receive small- (5-10 mL) or large-volume (13-20 mL) injections of a 1:10,000 solution of epinephrine.

Results: The mean volume of epinephrine injected was 16.5 mL (95% CI [15.7, 17.3 mL]) in the large-volume group and 8.0 mL (95% CI [7.5, 8.4 mL]) in the small-volume group. Initial hemostasis was achieved in all patients studied. The number of episodes of recurrent bleeding was smaller in the large-volume group (12/78, 15.4%) compared with the small-volume group (24/78, 30.8%, p = 0.037). The volume of blood transfused after entry into the study, duration of hospital stay, numbers of patients requiring urgent surgery, and mortality rates were not statistically different between the 2 groups.

Conclusions: Injection of a large volume (>13 mL) of epinephrine can reduce the rate of recurrent bleeding in patients with high-risk peptic ulcer and is superior to injection of lesser volumes of epinephrine when used to achieve sustained hemostasis.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Duodenal Ulcer / complications*
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal*
  • Epinephrine / administration & dosage*
  • Epinephrine / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Hemostasis, Endoscopic*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Peptic Ulcer Hemorrhage / drug therapy*
  • Peptic Ulcer Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Stomach Ulcer / complications*
  • Vasoconstrictor Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Vasoconstrictor Agents / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Vasoconstrictor Agents
  • Epinephrine