Impact of pregnancy on women's health-related lifestyle habits: Diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking.

OBJECTIVES: To explore health-related lifestyles in women before and during pregnancy, and to determine the potential differences between both and the relevant factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study including 348 women with a child <5 years of age was conducted in six health areas. The following variables were recorded: sociodemographic (age, educational level, marital status, social class, type of cohabitation, nationality), health-related habits (physical activity, diet, tobacco use, alcohol consumption), health conditions, and medication intake. RESULTS: Four lifestyle habits were compared between the pre-conception and pregnancy periods: diet, physical activity, and alcohol and tobacco use. The proportion of women who consumed alcohol (42.8 % vs 3.4 %) or smoked (19.3 % vs 12.4 %) was significantly higher before conception (p < 0.01). Conversely, the proportion of inactive women was lower before pregnancy, with 23.3 % (CI95%: 18.7-27.9) formerly classified as active versus 35.3 % (CI95%: 30.2-40.5) (p < 0.01). Similarly, adherence to the Mediterranean diet increased during pregnancy (62.9 % vs 75.0 %; p < 0.01). Furthermore, 53.2 % (CI95%: 47.8-58.5) of women reported a change from non-healthy to healthy in at least one of the evaluated habits. Logistic regression analyses revealed the variables associated with a positive change, which were being national Spanish (OR: 6.9) and experiencing the first pregnancy (OR: 1.8). CONCLUSIONS: The lifestyles of women undergo changes between the pre-gestation and pregnancy periods. However, such variations do not affect all health-related habits similarly. A positive change was observed in diet, alcohol consumption, and smoking habit, whereas pregnancy negatively impacted on physical activity and sedentary behaviours.

Influencia de los estilos de vida de la madre en el inicio de la lactancia materna: estudio de casos y controles / Influence of the mother's lifestyles on the initiation of breastfeeding: A case-control study

Introducción: La lactancia materna es la alimentación óptima durante los primeros meses de vida. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue analizar los factores relacionados con no iniciar la lactancia materna, tanto referidos a los estilos de vida maternos como a las características epidemiológicas y la información sobre lactancia. Material y método: Estudio analítico observacional de casos y controles en 6 centros de salud. Se seleccionaron mujeres con algún hijo menor de 5 años, estimando un tamaño muestral de 166 casos (mujeres que no iniciaron lactancia materna) y 166 controles (que iniciaron lactancia). Se midieron variables sociodemográficas y estilos de vida maternos antes y durante la gestación, como la actividad física mediante el cuestionario BPAAT, la dieta con el cuestionario MEDAS-14 y el consumo de tabaco y alcohol. Se valoró la información y opiniones sobre lactancia, así como la experiencia previa. Resultados: Se incluyeron 348 mujeres (174 casos y 174 controles) con una edad media de 33,4 años (DE 5,4). Fueron variables asociadas de manera independiente con no iniciar lactancia: ausencia de experiencia previa con lactancia (OR: 12,75), tomar la decisión durante la gestación o el parto (OR: 10,55), no estar casada o con pareja (OR: 3,42) y permanecer sedentaria≥2h/día durante la gestación (OR: 1,77). Conclusiones: En nuestro estudio, los factores determinantes que se asocian a no iniciar lactancia materna son la ausencia de experiencia previa con lactancia, el momento de la decisión sobre la lactancia y el estado civil. Entre los estilos de vida, solo el sedentarismo se asocia a no iniciar lactancia materna, mientras que no tienen influencia los hábitos alimentarios u otros. (AU)

Introduction: Breast milk is the optimal food during the first months of life. The main objective was to analyse the factors associated with not initiating breastfeeding in terms of maternal lifestyles, epidemiological characteristics and information on breastfeeding. Material and method: Observational analytical study of cases and controls in 6 primary care centres. The sample included women with a child under 5 years, with an estimated necessary sample size of 166 cases (women who did not initiate breastfeeding) and 166 controls (women who began breastfeeding). Sociodemographic and maternal lifestyle variables were measured before and during pregnancy, such as physical activity using the BPAAT questionnaire, diet with the MEDAS-14 questionnaire, and tobacco and alcohol consumption. We assessed the information and opinions about breastfeeding as well as previous experience with it. Results: The study included 348 women (174 cases and 174 controls) with a mean age of 33.4 years (SD 5.4). The variables independently associated with not initiating breastfeeding were: absence of previous experience with breastfeeding (OR 12.75), making the decision during pregnancy or delivery (OR 10.55), not being married or in a partnership (OR 3.42) and being sedentary for periods of 2h or greater/day during pregnancy (OR 1.77). Conclusions: In our study, the determining factors associated with not initiating breastfeeding were the lack of previous experience with breastfeeding, the timing of the decision about breastfeeding, and marital status. When it came to lifestyle, only a sedentary lifestyle was associated with not initiating breastfeeding, while dietary or other habits had no influence. (AU)

Influence of the mother's lifestyles on the initiation of breastfeeding: A case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Breast milk is the optimal food during the first months of life. The main objective was to analyse the factors associated with not initiating breastfeeding in terms of maternal lifestyles, epidemiological characteristics and information on breastfeeding. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational analytical study of cases and controls in 6 primary care centres. The sample included women with a child under 5 years, with an estimated necessary sample size of 166 cases (women who did not initiate breastfeeding) and 166 controls (women who began breastfeeding). Sociodemographic and maternal lifestyle variables were measured before and during pregnancy, such as physical activity using the BPAAT questionnaire, diet with the MEDAS-14 questionnaire, and tobacco and alcohol consumption. We assessed the information and opinions about breastfeeding as well as previous experience with it. RESULTS: The study included 348 women (174 cases and 174 controls) with a mean age of 33.4 years (SD, 5.4). The variables independently associated with not initiating breastfeeding were: absence of previous experience with breastfeeding (odds ratio [OR], 12.75), making the decision during pregnancy or delivery (OR, 10.55), not being married or in a partnership (OR, 3.42) and being sedentary for periods of 2 hours or greater/day during pregnancy (OR, 1.77). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the determining factors associated with not initiating breastfeeding were the lack of previous experience with breastfeeding, the timing of the decision about breastfeeding, and marital status. When it came to lifestyle, only a sedentary lifestyle was associated with not initiating breastfeeding, while dietary or other habits had no influence.

Influencia de la pluripatología y comorbilidad en el ingreso hospitalario en una cohorte de pacientes de una unidad de continuidad asistencial Primaria-Interna / Influence of multipathology and comorbidity on hospital admission in a cohort of patients from a Primary-Internal continuous care unit

Objetivo: estimar la frecuencia de pluripatología y comorbilidad en pacientes seguidos en una unidad de continuidad asistencial Primaria-Interna, así como conocer sus características clínicas y la relación entre pluripatología y comorbilidad con el ingreso hospitalario. Diseño: estudio observacional retrospectivo de casos y controles. Emplazamiento: Unidad de Continuidad Asistencial de Atención Primaria y Medicina Interna (UCAPI) del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete. Participantes: se analizaron 1.591 pacientes atendidos en una unidad de continuidad asistencial Primaria-Interna (292 con algún ingreso hospitalario en el último año y 1.299 sin ingresos). Mediciones principales: edad, sexo, problemas de salud, índice de Charlson, consumo de medicamentos y utilización de servicios sanitarios los 3 años previos. Resultados: del total de la muestra, un 18,4% (IC 95%:16,4-20,3) eran casos con algún ingreso. Presentaba pluripatología un 23,3% (IC 95%: 21,1-25,4) y comorbilidad (índice de Charlson ≥ 2) un 32,6% (IC 95%: 30,2-34,9). Fueron variables asociadas de forma independiente a ingreso hospitalario la pluripatología (OR: 2,51; IC 95%: 1,64-3,83; p < 0,001), comorbilidad (índice de Charlson ≥ 2) (OR: 1,81; IC 95%:1,18-2,78; p = 0,006), tener más de tres problemas de salud (OR: 1,49; IC 95%: 1,07-2,07; p = 0,017), contar con mayor número de consultas de Atención Primaria (AP) (OR: 1,01; IC 95%: 1,00-1,02; p = 0,005), de hospital (1,03; IC 95%: 1,01-1,05), p < 0,001) y realizar más visitas a urgencias hospitalarias (OR: 1,12, IC 95%: 1,07-1,17). Conclusiones: casi una cuarta parte de los pacientes seguidos en una unidad de continuidad asistencial entre Medicina interna y de Familia presenta pluripatología y un tercio, comorbilidad. La presencia de pluripatología y comorbilidad son características relacionadas con el ingreso hospitalario, junto con la mayor utilización de servicios sanitarios.(AU)

Objective: to estimate the frequency of multiple pathologies and comorbidity in patients followed up in a Primary-Internal care continuity unit (PICCU), and to ascertain their clinical characteristics and degree of association between multiple pathologies and comorbidity with hospital admission. Design: retrospective case-control observational study. Site: Primary Care and Internal Medicine Continuity of Care Unit (UCAPI) of Albacete Teaching Hospital. Participants: a total of 1591 patients treated in a PICCU (292 with a hospital admission in the last year and 1299 without admission) were analyzed. Main measurements: age, sex, health problems, Charlson index, drug use and use of health services in the previous three years. Results: of the total sample, 18.4% (95% CI: 16.4-20.3) were cases with an admission; 23.3% had multiple pathologies (95% CI: 21.1-25.4) and comorbidity (Charlson index ≥ 2) 32.6% (95% CI: 30.2-34.9). Variables independently associated with hospital admission were multiple pathologies (OR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.64-3.83; P <0.001), comorbidity (Charlson ≥ 2) (OR: 1.81; 95% CI): 1.18-2.78; P = 0.006), more than three health problems (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.07-2.07; P = 0.017), a higher number of primary care consultations (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00-1.02; P = 0.005), Hospital (1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.05), P < 0.001) and making more visits to the hospital accident and emergency department (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.07-1.17). Conclusions: almost a quarter of patients followed up in a care continuity unit between internal and family medicine presented multiple pathologies and a third presented comorbidity. Multiple pathologies and comorbidity are predictive characteristics of hospital admission together with a greater use of health services.(AU)

Negativización de PCR a SARS-CoV-2 en muestra respiratoria en pacientes con necesidad de asistencia recurrente / SARS-CoV-2 PCR negativization in respiratory sample in patients with need for recurring assistance

No disponible

Manifestaciones cutáneas por COVID-19 en paciente polisintomática / Cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 in a polysymptomatic patient

La infección por SARS-CoV-2 se caracteriza por manifestaciones múltiples, entre las que las más habituales son la fiebre, la tos y la dificultad respiratoria. Sin embargo, se ha observado la presencia, cada vez más frecuente, de diferentes lesiones cutáneas que pueden persistir durante el curso de toda la enfermedad, constituyendo la principal o única sintomatología en determinados casos. No se ha demostrado que la presencia ni el grado de afectación de estas manifestaciones cutáneas estén relacionados con el pronóstico. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 25 años, con fiebre de cinco días de evolución, acompañada de clínica respiratoria. Tras la desaparición de dicha sintomatología, comenzó con un exantema maculopapular, de doce días de duración. La aparición de nuevas enfermedades, especialmente con la gravedad e importancia epidemiológica de la infección ocasionada por SARS-CoV-2, obliga al especialista en Medicina de Familia a considerar en su sospecha diagnóstica cualquier tipo de sintomatología, aunque no se incluya entre la que habitualmente caracteriza a la nueva patología

SARS-CoV-2 virus infection is characterized by multiple manifestations, among which fever, cough, and shortness of breath are the most frequent. However, an increasing presence of different skin lesions has been observed, which may persist over the whole course of the disease, and which in certain cases are the main or only symptom. The connection of the presence or the degree of affectation of these cutaneous manifestations with prognosis has not been confirmed. We present the case of a 25-year-old woman, who had had fever for five days, together with respiratory symptoms. After those symptoms had resolved, a maculopapular rash appeared, lasting for twelve days. The emergence of new diseases, especially those with the severity and epidemiological significance of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, compels the Family Medicine specialist to consider any type of symptomatology in their suspected diagnosis, even if it is not included among the usual symptoms of the new disease

Síndrome metabólico y otros modificadores de riesgo cardiovascular en adultos hipertensos de 65 o menos años de edad / Metabolic syndrome and other cardiovascular risk modifiers in hypertensive adults aged 65 or younger

OBJETIVOS: Describir la prevalencia de síndrome metabólico, de cada uno de sus componentes y de otros modificadores del riesgo cardiovascular (RCV) en hipertensos ≤ 65 años, así como analizar su relación con el grado de control de la presión arterial (PA). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo observacional transversal realizado en 267 adultos de ≤ 65 años, diagnosticados de hipertensión arterial (criterios Guías Europeas hipertensión y riesgo cardiovascular), atendidos en consultas de medicina de familia de cuatro Zonas Básicas de Salud. La variable principal fue la presencia de síndrome metabólico (ATPIII/AHA-2004). Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas, problemas de salud, consumo de fármacos, cumplimiento terapéutico, actividad física (IPAQ-breve y BPAAT), consumo de tabaco, determinaciones analíticas, riesgo cardiovascular, cifras de presión arterial y su grado de control. RESULTADOS: Edad media 56,7 años (DE: 6,6). La prevalencia de síndrome metabólico fue del 40,4% (IC95%: 34,4%-46,5%). Un 76,8% mostró obesidad abdominal, 36,7% hipertrigliceridemia, 25,8% c-HDL disminuido y 26,2% hiperglucemia. El 55,8% presentaba dislipemia, 54,3% obesidad, 24,7% diabetes y 21,3% fumaba. Un 40,2% (IC95%: 33,9%-45,8%) no mostró adecuado control de PA. Mediante regresión logística, fueron variables asociadas a inadecuado control de presión arterial: menor puntuación cuestionario-BPAAT (OR:1,19; p = 0,027), menor número de problemas de salud (OR:1,20; p = 0,009), incumplimiento terapéutico (OR:1,93; p = 0,043) y síndrome metabólico (OR:2,85; p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: Más de un tercio de hipertensos adultos presentan síndrome metabólico y tres cuartos obesidad abdominal. El síndrome metabólico no sólo es un factor modificador de RCV, sino que también se debe considerar en el control de la PA en adultos hipertensos junto con el cumplimiento terapéutico, la comorbilidad y la actividad física

OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, of each of its components, and of other cardiovascular risk (CVR) modifiers in hypertensive patients ≤ 65 years of age, as well as to analyze its relationship with the degree of control of blood pressure (BP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional observational study carried out in 267 adults aged ≤ 65 years, diagnosed with arterial hypertension (European Guidelines criteria for hypertension and cardiovascular risk), seen in family medicine consultations in four Basic Health Zones. The main variable was the presence of metabolic syndrome (ATPIII / AHA-2004). Sociodemographic variables, health problems, drug consumption, therapeutic compliance, physical activity (IPAQ-brief and BPAAT), tobacco consumption, analytical determinations, cardiovascular risk, blood pressure readings and their degree of control were collected. RESULTS: Average age 56.7 years (SD: 6.6). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 40.4% (95% CI: 34.4%-46.5%). 76.8% showed abdominal obesity, 36.7% hypertriglyceridemia, 25.8% decreased HDL-c, and 26.2% hyperglycemia. 55.8% had dyslipidemia, 54.3% obesity, 24.7% diabetes, and 21.3% smoked. 40.2% (95% CI: 33.9%-45.8%) did not show adequate BP control. Using logistic regression, variables associated with inadequate blood pressure control were: lower BPAAT-questionnaire score (OR: 1.19; p = 0.027), fewer health problems (OR: 1.20; p = 0.009), therapy non-compliance (OR: 1.93; p = 0.043) and metabolic syndrome (OR: 2.85; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: More than one third of hypertensive adults have metabolic syndrome and three quarters have abdominal obesity. Metabolic syndrome is not only a modifying factor of CVR, but it should also be considered in the control of BP in hypertensive adults along with therapeutic compliance, comorbidity and physical activity

Frecuentación y calidad de vida de usuarios de consultas de Medicina de Familia / Attendance and quality of life of users of Family Medicine practices

Objetivo: Describir la frecuentación de los usuarios de consultas de Medicina de Familia y su relación con la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, así como analizar los factores asociados a una mayor frecuentación. Métodos: Estudio multicéntrico observacional de carácter descriptivo realizado en 601 adultos que utilizaron las consultas de medicina de familia de cuatro Zonas Básicas de Salud de tres Áreas Sanitarias. La variable principal fue la frecuentación a consultas de medicina de familia en el último año. Otras variables fueron características sociodemográficas, problemas de salud (clasificación CIAP-2), consumo fármacos, calidad de vida (cuestionario EuroQol), características Zona Salud y visitas a medicina, enfermería y urgencias los tres años previos. Resultados: La media de visitas al médico de familia fue significativamente superior el año anterior (10,7±7,8) que los dos (8,7±7,5) y tres (8,1±7,0) previos (p<0,001). Mediante regresión lineal múltiple fueron variables asociadas a mayor frecuentación al médico de familia el año anterior: sexo femenino (B:-1,858; IC95 %:-2,743 - -0,974), pertenecer a ZBS rural (B:-2,936; IC95 %:-3,914 - -1,959), más visitas realizada a Urgencias de AP (B:0,342; IC95 %:0,127 - 0,556), más visitas a Urgencias Hospitalarias (B:1,106; IC95 %:0774 - 1,439), consumir mayor número fármacos (B:0,531; IC95 %:0,384 - 0,679), menor puntuación escala visual de EuroQol (CV) (B:-0,052; IC95 %:-0,069 - -0,034), mayor nº visitas enfermería (B:0,235; IC95 %:0,180 - 0,291), presentar patología sistema nervioso (B:1,639; IC95 %:0,380 - 2,898), patología respiratoria (B:1,298; IC95 %:0,129 - 2,467) y ansiedad (B:1,263; IC95 %:0,062 - 2,463). Conclusiones: Existe una elevada utilización de las consultas del médico de familia que se incrementa cada año. Fueron variables relacionadas con la frecuentación la calidad de vida, sexo, consumo de medicamentos, padecer determinadas enfermedades, residir en ámbito rural y el número de visitas a Urgencias y a consulta de enfermería

Objective: To describe users' frequentation of Family Medicine practices and its relationship with health-related quality of life, and to analyze the factors associated with a greater frequency of visits. Methods: Multicentre, observational, descriptive study carried out in 601 adults who used the family medicine services of four Basic Health Zones in three Health Areas. The main variable was the frequency of visits to family medicine practices in the last year. Other variables were sociodemographic characteristics, health problems (CIAP-2 classification), drug use, quality of life (EuroQol-questionnaire), Health Area characteristics, and visits to medicine, nursing and emergency services within the previous three years. Results: The average number of visits to the family doctor was significantly higher in the previous year (10.7±7.8) than in the previous two (8.7±7.5) and three (8.1±7.0) years (p<0.001). Multiple linear regression showed variables associated with greater frequency of visits to the family doctor during the previous year: female sex (B:-1.858; 95 % CI, -2.743 - -0.974), reside in rural areas (B:-2.936 95 % CI, -3.914 - -1.959), more visits to Primary Care Emergency Room (B:0.342 95 % CI, 0.127 - 0.556), more visits to Hospital Emergency Room (B:1.106; 95 % CI, 0774 - 1.439), use higher number of drugs (B:0.531; 95 % CI, 0.384 - 0.679), lower EuroQol scale score (B:-0.052; 95 % CI, -0.069 - -0.034), more visits to nursing clinics (B:0.235; 95 % CI, 0.180 - 0.291) and presenting nervous system disease (B:1.639; 95 % CI, 0.380 - 2.898), respiratory disease (B:1.298; 95 % CI, 0.129 - 2.467) and anxiety (B:1.263; 95 % CI, 0.062 - 2.463). Conclusions: There is a high use of family doctor practices that increases every year. The variables related to frequentation were quality of life, sex, drug use, suffering certain diseases, residing in rural areas and the number of visits to the Emergency Department and to nursing clinics

Prevention of postoperative bleeding in hip fractures treated with prosthetic replacement: efficacy and safety of fibrin sealant and tranexamic acid. A randomised controlled clinical trial (TRANEXFER study).

INTRODUCTION: We assessed the efficacy of fibrin sealant (FS) and tranexamic acid (TXA) administered topically in patients with a hip fracture treated with prosthetic replacement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Parallel, multicentre, open label, randomised, clinical trial. We compared three interventions to reduce blood loss: (1) 10 ml of FS, (2) 1 g of topical TXA, both administered at the end of the surgery, and (3) usual haemostasis (control group). The main outcome was blood loss collected in drains. Other secondary variables were total blood loss, hidden blood loss, transfusion rate, average hospital stay, complications, adverse events, and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 158 patients were included, 56 in the FS group, 52 in the TXA group, and 50 in the control group. The total amount of blood collected in drains was lower in the TXA group (148.6 ml, SD 122.7 in TXA; 168.2 ml, SD 137.4 in FS; and 201.5 ml, SD 166.5 in control group) without achieving statistical significance (p = 0.178). The transfusion rate was lower in the TXA group (32.7%), compared with FS group (42.9%) and control group (44.0%), without statistical significance (p = 0.341). There were no complications or adverse effects related to the evaluated interventions. CONCLUSIONS: The use of TXA and FS administered topically prior to surgical closure in patients with a sub-capital femoral fracture undergoing arthroplasty did not significantly reduce either postoperative blood loss or transfusion rate, compared with a group that only received usual haemostasis.

Efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of muscle rupture with haematoma: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The goals of the treatment of muscle injuries are to shorten the time of healing and to avoid relapses. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the healing of muscle injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel, controlled clinical trial was conducted in 71 patients (81.8% males) aged 45.6 (SD=10.0) years with muscle tears in the legs and haematoma. The haematoma was evacuated in all patients. Thirty-three patients were randomised to a single dose of autologous PRP and 38 patients to simulation of PRP administration. The primary end-point was time to complete recovery of muscle injury. Secondary end-points were pain, relapses, ultrasound parameters, and adverse events. The total follow-up per patient was 12 months. RESULTS: Time to complete recovery after the treatment was 31.63 days (SD=15.38) in the PRP group, and 38.43 days (SD=18.58) in the control group (p=0.261). Pain decreased over time in both groups without statistical differences between them. Eight patients relapsed (seven in the control group, and one in the PRP group). There were no adverse effects related to the interventions. DISCUSSION: Autologous PRP did not significantly improve the time to healing compared to that in the control group.

Transfusion strategies for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

BACKGROUND: The hemoglobin threshold for transfusion of red cells in patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding is controversial. We compared the efficacy and safety of a restrictive transfusion strategy with those of a liberal transfusion strategy. METHODS: We enrolled 921 patients with severe acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding and randomly assigned 461 of them to a restrictive strategy (transfusion when the hemoglobin level fell below 7 g per deciliter) and 460 to a liberal strategy (transfusion when the hemoglobin fell below 9 g per deciliter). Randomization was stratified according to the presence or absence of liver cirrhosis. RESULTS: A total of 225 patients assigned to the restrictive strategy (51%), as compared with 61 assigned to the liberal strategy (14%), did not receive transfusions (P<0.001) [corrected].The probability of survival at 6 weeks was higher in the restrictive-strategy group than in the liberal-strategy group (95% vs. 91%; hazard ratio for death with restrictive strategy, 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33 to 0.92; P=0.02). Further bleeding occurred in 10% of the patients in the restrictive-strategy group as compared with 16% of the patients in the liberal-strategy group (P=0.01), and adverse events occurred in 40% as compared with 48% (P=0.02). The probability of survival was slightly higher with the restrictive strategy than with the liberal strategy in the subgroup of patients who had bleeding associated with a peptic ulcer (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.26 to 1.25) and was significantly higher in the subgroup of patients with cirrhosis and Child-Pugh class A or B disease (hazard ratio, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.85), but not in those with cirrhosis and Child-Pugh class C disease (hazard ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.45 to 2.37). Within the first 5 days, the portal-pressure gradient increased significantly in patients assigned to the liberal strategy (P=0.03) but not in those assigned to the restrictive strategy. CONCLUSIONS: As compared with a liberal transfusion strategy, a restrictive strategy significantly improved outcomes in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. (Funded by Fundació Investigació Sant Pau; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00414713.).