Practical Use of Blactchford Score

Abstract

Aim: To retrospectively evaluate the use of proton pump inhibitor infusions. Methods:A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients who received an 80 mg bolus of esomeprazole follow by an infusion at 8 mg/hr. An analysis was performed to determine if a Blatchford Score of > 5 was a predictor of upper gastrointestinal ulcers.Results: 300 patients received high dose esomeprazole over a 15 month period. 32% had an ulcer identified on endoscopy. Gastritis and esophagitis were the second most common diagnosis accounting for 16% of patients. A Blatchford Score of >5 as a predictor of upper gastrointestinal ulcers had a sensitivity of 86.5% with a specificity of 32%. Conclusion:Utilizing the Blatchford Score to predict patients that have an upper gastrointestinal ulcer does not appear to be effective in clinical practice.