Endoscopy for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Previous studies have reached mixed conclusions regarding the timing of endoscopic approaches for managing individuals with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB). Therefore, the authors performed a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of various timing endoscopic approaches in managing individuals with AUGIB. The authors will search multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database, Wanfang Database, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and Chinese Clinical Trial Register. The search will cover the entire duration, starting from the establishment of these databases until July 2023. The selection criteria will focus on randomized controlled trials that assess the efficacy of endoscopy with varying timing in managing patients with AUGIB. The primary outcomes will include primary hemostasis and inpatient death. The secondary outcomes will include recurrent bleeding, need for surgical intervention, admission to the ICU, blood transfusion needs, and duration of hospitalization. Two reviewers will select the studies, extract data, and assess the risk of bias. A Bayesian approach will be used to conduct a network meta-analysis. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis will be published in peer-reviewed journals. This network meta-analysis provides comprehensive evidence of different timing endoscopic approaches for managing individuals with AUGIB.