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Intestinal Hemorrhage in the Elderly

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Geriatric Trauma and Critical Care

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in the elderly is a common cause of hospitalization and frequently results in significant morbidity and mortality. While GI bleeding is common in the population in general, management of the elderly population is especially challenging due to the high incidence of comorbid medical conditions. Intestinal hemorrhage in the elderly can be further complicated by antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications that both predispose this population to occult or massive bleeding. These therapeutic agents make control of the bleeding source challenging. Understanding the unique issues facing the elderly patient with GI bleeding is critical for clinicians to effectively care for this population.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Trauma, Surgical Critical Care, and Burns, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego Health Sciences, 200 West Arbor Drive, #8896, San Diego, CA, 92103, USA

    Todd W. Costantini MD, Leslie M. Kobayashi MD & Raul Coimbra MD, PhD, FACS

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  1. Todd W. Costantini MD
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  2. Leslie M. Kobayashi MD
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  3. Raul Coimbra MD, PhD, FACS
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Correspondence to Raul Coimbra MD, PhD, FACS .

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  1. Department of Surgery, Lincoln Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA

    Jay A. Yelon

  2. Department of Surgery, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, USA

    Fred A. Luchette

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Costantini, T.W., Kobayashi, L.M., Coimbra, R. (2014). Intestinal Hemorrhage in the Elderly. In: Yelon, J., Luchette, F. (eds) Geriatric Trauma and Critical Care. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8501-8_15

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