Successful hemostasis of active lower GI bleeding using a hemostatic powder as monotherapy, combination therapy, or rescue therapy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Acute lower GI bleeding is a frequent cause of hospital admission. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and performance of a hemostatic powder (TC-325/Hemospray) in the treatment of nonvariceal lower GI bleeding.

METHODS

Patients were enrolled into this prospective, multicenter, single-arm study at 4 tertiary care centers in Canada. Fifty patients with active lower GI bleeding of multiple different causes (52 bleeding sites) underwent topical endoscopic application of hemostatic powder. The primary endpoint was powder-related adverse events within 30 days of the index procedure. Secondary endpoints were initial hemostasis as well as recurrent bleeding and mortality within 30 days of the index procedure.

RESULTS

Most patients (96%) had a single bleeding site, and most bleeding (73%) was due to polypectomy. Overall, the powder was applied as monotherapy in 13 bleeding sites (25%), as combination therapy in 22 bleeding sites (42.3%), and as rescue therapy in 17 bleeding sites (32.7%). Hemostasis was achieved in 98% of patients. No patient experienced a powder-related adverse event. Five patients (10%) developed recurrent bleeding within 30 days. One patient (2%) died within 30 days of powder application, but the death was not directly related to hemostatic powder use.

CONCLUSIONS

The hemostatic powder is a safe and effective option for patients with lower GI bleeding of varying causes, and in particular, postpolypectomy hemorrhage. The hemostatic powder is effective as monotherapy, part of a combination approach, or as a rescue therapeutic option for the treatment of nonvariceal lower GI bleeding. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02099435.).