The Cardiovascular
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Glasgow-Blatchford bleeding score

Risk stratification in upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Glasgow-Blatchford bleeding score
BUN (mg/dL)
Haemoglobin
Sex-specific thresholds
Systolic blood pressure (mmHg)
Pulse ≥100 /min
Melena at presentation
Syncope
Hepatic disease
Cardiac failure
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When to use

  • Deciding which patients with upper GI bleeding can be managed as outpatients (score 0) and which need admission and intervention.

Formula

Points from BUN, haemoglobin (sex-specific), systolic BP, plus pulse ≥100, melena, syncope, hepatic disease and cardiac failure. Range 0–23.

Pearls and pitfalls

  • Unlike the Rockall score, the admission Glasgow-Blatchford needs no endoscopy, so it can be applied at first contact.

References

  1. Blatchford O, Murray WR, Blatchford M. A risk score to predict need for treatment for upper-gastrointestinal haemorrhage. Lancet. 2000;356(9238):1318–21.