Mexican consensus on the approach to and treatment of acute variceal bleeding

Abstract

Introduction and aims: Portal hypertension is the main consequence of cirrhosis and the cause of most of its complications, such as ascites, variceal bleeding, and hepatic encephalopathy. The development of those complications marks the transition from compensated cirrhosis to decompensated cirrhosis, and the latter is associated with poor prognosis. Approximately 50% of cirrhotic patients have gastroesophageal varices. Acute variceal bleeding (AVB) is a medical emergency with high mortality rates ranging from 15 to 25% within 6 weeks. AVB management has evolved in recent years due to new evidence on fluid resuscitation and transfusion support, advances in endoscopic techniques, esophageal stent use, and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement. This consensus aimed to establish recommendations based on the best available evidence and expert opinion from Mexican specialists in gastroenterology for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of AVB in patients with portal hypertension. The goal was to improve clinical decision-making, reduce the associated mortality, and standardize care protocols across the different levels of medical care in Mexico.

Material and methods: Seventeen national and 3 international experts were divided into five working groups to address five thematic areas: 1) initial evaluation, 2) fluid resuscitation and initial pharmacologic therapy, 3) the role of endoscopy, 4) strategies for managing failed bleeding control, and 5) secondary prophylaxis recommendations. The consensus was developed utilizing the RAND/UCLA process, with a modified Delphi method.

Results: A total of 28 statements were produced, with specific recommendations on initial fluid resuscitation and transfusion strategy, and highlighting the importance of vasopressor use, the role of endoscopy, and AVB prophylaxis.

Conclusions: This first Mexican Consensus on Acute Variceal Bleeding establishes practical recommendations for standardizing AVB management in patients with cirrhosis in Mexico, from the initial evaluation to secondary prophylaxis, emphasizing the importance of specific strategies and laying the groundwork for future research.

Keywords: Cirrosis hepática; Esophageal variceal ligation; Hemorragia variceal; Hipertensión portal; Ligadura de várices esofágicas; Liver cirrhosis; Portal hypertension; Tratamiento; Treatment; Variceal bleeding.