Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Outcomes for Patients Admitted with Gastrointestinal Bleeding in New York City

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in massive reorganization of hospital operations, with specific implications for patients hospitalized with gastrointestinal bleeding1,2. Guidelines recommend minimizing high-risk aerosol-generating procedures, including upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and reducing direct patient contact by inpatient consultation services1-3. The impact of these changes on gastrointestinal bleeding, which is the most common gastrointestinal reason for hospitalization in the United States , is unknown.