Ischemic colitis as a cause of severe hematochezia: risk factors and outcomes compared with other colon diagnoses

Abstract

Background: Risk factors and outcomes of severe hematochezia from ischemic colitis compared with other colonic diagnoses have not been well studied.

Objective: Our purposes were (1) to compare demographics and outcomes of patients hospitalized with severe hematochezia from ischemic colitis compared with other colonic diagnoses, (2) to compare inpatient and outpatient start of bleeding from ischemic colitis, and (3) to describe potential risk factors.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: Tertiary referral academic centers.

Patients: Patients referred for gastroenterology consultation for severe hematochezia.

Interventions: Colonoscopic therapy was provided as indicated.

Main outcome measurements: Rebleeding, surgery, and length of hospital stay after colonoscopy.

Results: Of 550 patients in the past 12 years with severe hematochezia from colonic sources, the cause in 65 patients (11.8%) was ischemia. Ischemic colitis was found more often in females, in patients taking anticoagulant agents, in patients with severe lung disease, those with higher creatinine levels, those with higher glucose levels, and those with more fresh frozen plasma transfusions. Five patients with focal lesions had colonoscopic hemostasis. Major 30-day outcomes of ischemic colitis patients were significantly worse than patients with other colonic diagnoses. Patients with inpatient (vs outpatient) ischemic colitis had significantly more and more severe comorbidities at baseline and significantly higher rates of rebleeding, surgery, and more days spent in hospital and in the intensive care unit.

Limitations: Two-center study.

Conclusions: Major 30-day outcomes in ischemic colitis patients were significantly worse than in patients with other colonic diagnoses. Comparing outpatient and inpatient start of ischemic colitis, inpatients had significantly worse outcomes.