High- versus low-dose proton pump inhibitors post endoscopic hemostasis in hemodialysis cases with peptic ulcer bleeding.

Post-endoscopic hemostasis treatment is not adequately addressed in high-risk patients on regular hemodialysis (HD) with emergency peptic ulcer bleeding. This study aimed to compare post-endoscopic high- versus low-dose proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for peptic ulcer bleeding in patients undergoing regular HD. This prospective study comprised 200 patients on regular hemodialysis having emergency peptic ulcer bleeding confirmed at endoscopy and managed with endoscopic hemostasis. Half of the patients received high-dose intensive regimen and the other half received the standard regimen. Patients who were suspected to have recurrent bleeding underwent a second endoscopy for bleeding control. The primary outcome measure was rate of recurrent bleeding during period of hospitalization that was detected through second endoscopy. Rebleeding occurred in 32 patients ; 15 in the High-Dose Cohort and 17 in the Low-Dose Control (p = 0.700). No significant differences between the two dose cohorts regarding the time of rebleeding (p = 0.243), endoscopic hemostasis mode (p = 1.000), and need for surgery (p = 0.306). The highdose regimen Inhospital mortality in high-dose group was 9.0% compared to 8.0% in the low-dose group (p = 0.800). Apart from the pre-hemostatic Forrest classification of ulcers, there were no significant differences between patients with re-bleeding ulcers (n=32) and those with non-rebleeding (n=168). Rebleeding was more common in class Ia, i.e. spurting bleeders (p < 0.001). Endoscopic hemostasis followed by the standard low-dose PPI regimen of 40 mg daily IV boluses is safe and effective option for bleeding peptic ulcers in the high-risk patients under regular hemodialysis.