-
1.
Esophageal Stent in Acute Refractory Variceal Bleeding: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis
Songtanin, B., Kahathuduwa, C., Nugent, K.
Journal of clinical medicine. 2024;13(2)
Abstract
Background: Acute esophageal variceal bleeding accounts for up to 70% of upper-gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhotic patients. About 10-20% of patients with acute variceal bleeding have refractory bleeding that is not controlled by medical or endoscopic therapy, and this condition can be life-threatening. Balloon tamponade is a long-standing therapy which is only effective temporarily and has several complications, while transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and liver transplantation may not be readily available at some centers. The use of self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) in refractory esophageal variceal bleeding has been studied for effectiveness and adverse events and has been recommended for use as a bridge to a more definitive treatment. Aim: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of SEMSs in managing refractory variceal bleeding. Methods: A systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases was performed from inception to October 2022 using the following terms: "esophageal stent", "self-expandable metal stents", "endoscopic hemostasis", "refractory esophageal varices", and "esophageal variceal bleeding". Studies were included in the meta-analysis if they met the following criteria: (1) patients' age older than 18 and (2) a study (or case series) that has at least 10 patients in the study. Exclusion criteria included (1) non-English publications, (2) in case of overlapping cohorts, data from the most recent and/or most appropriate comprehensive report were collected. DerSimonian-Laird random-effects meta-analysis was performed using the meta package in R statistical software(version 4.2.2). Results: Twelve studies involving 225 patients with 228 stents were included in the analyses. The mean age and/or median age ranged from 49.4 to 69 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 4.4 to 1. The median follow-up period was 42 days. The mean SEMS dwell time was 9.4 days. The most common cause of acute refractory variceal bleeding in chronic liver disease patients included alcohol use followed by viral hepatitis. The pooled rate of immediate bleeding control was 91% (95% CI 82-95%, I(2) = 0). The pooled rate of rebleeding was 17% (95% CI 8-32%, I(2) = 69). The pooled rate of stent ulceration was 7% (95% CI 3-13%, I(2) = 0), and the pooled rate of stent migration was 18% (95% CI 9-32%, I(2) = 38). The pooled rate of all-cause mortality was 38% (95% CI 30-47%, I(2) = 34). Conclusions: SEMSs should be primarily considered as salvage therapy when endoscopic band ligation and sclerotherapy fail and can be used as a bridge to emergent TIPS or definitive therapy, such as liver transplantation.
-
2.
Impact of C-reactive protein on the effect of Roxadustat for the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Luo, X., Li, G., Yang, H., Chen, L., Gao, Y., Cong, J., Luo, H., Zhang, W.
BMC nephrology. 2024;25(1):47
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic inflammation, reflected by an increased blood C-reactive protein (CRP) level, is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is involved in the development of renal anemia. This systematic review aims to investigate the impacts of CRP on the efficacy of hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHIs) in the treatment of renal anemia in patients with CKD. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases including Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), from their inception to May 19, 2022. We systematically reviewed evidence from randomized controlled trials using HIF-PHIs for renal anemia treatment. The mean difference (MD) in changes in hemoglobin concentration (∆Hb) before and after treatment served as the meta-analysis outcome, utilizing a random-effects model. We compared groups with CRP levels greater than or equal to the upper limit of normal (ULN) and less than the ULN. Additionally, further analysis was conducted in the CRP ≥ ULN group comparing HIF-PHIs and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA). RESULTS A total of 7 studies from 6 publications were included in the analysis. In the comparison between the CRP ≥ ULN group and the CRP < ULN group, 524 patients from 4 studies were incorporated into the analysis. All patients received roxadustat as the primary intervention. The pooled results revealed no significant difference in ΔHb between patients with CRP ≥ ULN and CRP < ULN at baseline (Mean Difference: 0.00, 95% Confidence Interval: -0.32 to 0.33, P = 0.99). Moreover, within the CRP ≥ ULN group, three studies involving 1399 patients compared the efficacy of roxadustat and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). The results indicated no significant difference in ΔHb between patients treated with ESAs and HIF-PHIs (Mean Difference: 0.24, 95% Confidence Interval: -0.08 to 0.56, P = 0.14). In terms of medication dosage, an increase in ESA dose over time was observed across various studies, particularly evident in the CRP ≥ ULN group, while the dose of roxadustat remains constant over time and is not influenced by the baseline levels of CRP. CONCLUSIONS Our systematic review demonstrates that roxadustat exhibits similar efficacy across different CRP levels. Moreover, within the CRP ≥ ULN group, roxadustat can maintain efficacy comparable to ESA without the necessity for dose escalation. TRIAL REGISTRATION CRD42023396704.
-
3.
Kidney disease in trials of perioperative tranexamic acid
Liu, C. W., Anih, J., Lebedeva, V., Gungor, A., Wang, C., Park, L., Roshanov, P. S.
Journal of clinical anesthesia. 2024;94:111417
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Editor's Choice
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To assess how kidney disease is handled in randomized trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of perioperative tranexamic acid, and to evaluate its effects across levels of kidney function. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. SETTING We screened studies from a previous comprehensive systematic review, and updated its search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL to July 31, 2023. PATIENTS Patients undergoing non-obstetric surgery. INTERVENTIONS Intravenous tranexamic acid compared to placebo or usual care without tranexamic acid. MEASUREMENT We summarized the handling of kidney disease in eligibility criteria, dose adjustments for kidney function, and effects of tranexamic acid on thrombotic events, seizures, and bleeding by subgroups of kidney function. MAIN RESULTS We evaluated 300 trials with 53,085 participants; 45,958 participants (86.6%) were enrolled in 228 trials (76.0%) that explicitly excluded patients with kidney disease. Definitions of kidney diseased used for exclusion varied widely. Most were non-specific and some corresponded to mild disease. Only 5 trials adjusted dosing for kidney function. Meta-analysis of two large trials found tranexamic acid unlikely to substantially increase or decrease the occurrence of thrombotic events in patients with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73m(2) (RR, 0.95; 95% CI: 0.83 to 1.07) or ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73m(2) (RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.91 to 1.11; P for subgroup difference = 0.47), but both trials excluded patients with severe kidney disease. No analysis could be performed regarding seizure risk. One large trial in noncardiac surgery reported similar reduction in bleeding across subgroups of kidney function but excluded patients with creatinine clearance <30 mL/min. CONCLUSIONS The large evidence base supporting perioperative tranexamic acid suffers from broad and unjustified exclusion of patients with kidney disease. Typical perioperative dosing of tranexamic acid is likely safe and effective in patients with creatinine clearance >30 mL/min, but effects in more severe kidney disease are unknown.
PICO Summary
Population
Patients undergoing non-obstetric surgery (300 trials, n= 53,085).
Intervention
Intravenous tranexamic acid.
Comparison
Placebo or usual care without tranexamic acid.
Outcome
From all the included studies, 45,958 participants (86.6%) were enrolled in 228 trials (76.0%) that explicitly excluded patients with kidney disease. Definitions of kidney diseased used for exclusion varied widely. Most were non-specific and some corresponded to mild disease. Only 5 trials adjusted dosing for kidney function. Meta-analysis of two large trials found tranexamic acid unlikely to substantially increase or decrease the occurrence of thrombotic events in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73m(2) (RR 0.95; 95% CI [0.83, 1.07]) or ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73m(2) (RR 1.00; 95% CI [0.91, 1.11], but both trials excluded patients with severe kidney disease. No analysis could be performed regarding seizure risk. One large trial in non-cardiac surgery reported similar reduction in bleeding across subgroups of kidney function but excluded patients with creatinine clearance <30 mL/min.
-
4.
Tranexamic acid for gastrointestinal bleeding: can a reduction in the risk of death be discounted? A systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data from 64 724 bleeding patients
Ker, K., Mansukhani, R., Shakur-Still, H., Arribas, M., Beaumont, D., Roberts, I.
BMJ open. 2023;13(2):e059982
Abstract
OBJECTIVES HALT-IT was an international, randomised trial which assessed the effects of tranexamic acid (TXA) in 12 009 patients with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. The results found no evidence that TXA reduces death. It is widely accepted that results of trials should be interpreted in the context of other relevant evidence. We conducted a systematic review and individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis to assess if the results of HALT-IT are compatible with evidence for TXA in other bleeding conditions. DESIGN Systematic review and IPD meta-analysis of randomised trials involving ≥5000 patients assessing TXA for bleeding. We searched our Antifibrinolytics Trials Register on 1 November 2022. Two authors extracted data and assessed risk of bias. DATA SYNTHESIS We used a one-stage model to analyse IPD in a regression model stratified by trial. We assessed heterogeneity of the effect of TXA on death within 24 hours and vascular occlusive events (VOEs). RESULTS We included IPD for 64 724 patients from four trials involving patients with traumatic, obstetric and GI bleeding. Risk of bias was low. There was no evidence for heterogeneity between trials for the effect of TXA on death or for the effect of TXA on VOEs. TXA reduced the odds of death by 16% (OR=0.84, 95% CI: 0.78 to 0.91, p<0.0001; p-heterogeneity=0.40). In patients treated within 3 hours of bleeding onset, TXA reduced the odds of death by 20% (0.80, 0.73 to 0.88, p<0.0001; p-heterogeneity=0.16). TXA did not increase the odds of VOEs (0.94, 0.81 to 1.08, p for effect=0.36; p-heterogeneity=0.27). CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence for statistical heterogeneity between trials assessing the effect of TXA on death or VOEs in different bleeding conditions. When the HALT-IT results are considered in the context of other evidence, a reduction in the risk of death cannot be discounted. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO CRD42019128260.Cite Now.
-
5.
Investigating the relationship between erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and mortality in hemodialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Karimi, Z., Raeisi Shahraki, H., Mohammadian-Hafshejani, A.
PloS one. 2023;18(11):e0293980
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, various studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and mortality in hemodialysis patients, who showed contradictory results. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between ESAs and mortality in hemodialysis patients. METHODS The current study is a systematic review and meta-analysis based on observational and interventional studies published in the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases between 1980 and the end of 2022. Jadad scale checklist and Newcastle Ottawa scale were used to evaluate the quality of articles. The study data were analyzed using Stata 15 software. RESULTS In the initial search, 3933 articles were extracted, and by screening and considering the research criteria, 68 studies were finally included in the meta-analysis. According to the meta-analysis results, the risk ratio (RR) of overall mortality in hemodialysis patients receiving ESAs was equal to 1.19 (95% CI: 1.16-1.23, P ≤ 0.001). The RR of mortality in patients aged 60 years and under was equal to 1.33 (1.15-1.55, P ≤ 0.001), in the age group over 60 years was equal to 1.13 (1.10-1.16, P ≤ 0.001), in randomized clinical trial studies was equal to 1.06 (0.80-1.40, P = 0.701), in cohort studies was equal to 1.20 (1.16-1.25, P ≤ 0.001), in American countries was equal to 1.19 (1.10-1.29, P ≤ 0.001), in Asian countries was equal to 1.15 (1.10-1.19, P ≤ 0.001), and in European countries was equal to 1.18 (1.05-1.34, P = 0.007). CONCLUSION The results of the study show that receiving ESAs is associated with a 19% increase in the risk of overall mortality in hemodialysis patients.
-
6.
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and cardiovascular mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 studies and 372,156 hemodialysis patients
Karimi, Z., Raeisi Shahraki, H., Mohammadian-Hafshejani, A.
International journal of cardiology. Cardiovascular risk and prevention. 2023;19:200220
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Editor's Choice
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prior studies on the association between erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients have yielded conflicting findings. We aimed to clarify this relationship through a systematic review and meta-analysis of current evidence. METHODS We comprehensively searched major databases for observational and interventional studies on ESA use and cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients published from 1980 to September 2023. Pooled risk ratios (RR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random-effects models. Sources of heterogeneity were explored through subgroup analyses and meta-regression. The study data were analyzed using Stata 15 software. FINDINGS Upon conducting the initial search, we extracted 792 articles and, after screening and considering the research criteria, 17 studies with 372,156 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, ESA use was associated with a 27 % increased risk of cardiovascular mortality (RR 1.27, 95 % CI: 1.15-1.40, p < 0.001). This risk varied by geographical location, with RRs of 1.27 (95 % CI: 1.14-1.41; p-value≤0.001) for America, 1.33 (95 % CI: 1.12-1.58; p-value = 0.001) for Asia, and 1.23 (95 % CI: 1.02-1.49; p-value = 0.028) for Europe. Importantly, a gender disparity was revealed, with studies involving a higher proportion of males showing greater risks (RR 1.51, 95 % CI: 1.25-1.83, p < 0.001) than female-predominant studies (RR 1.08, 95 % CI: 0.86-1.36, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis indicates ESA use is associated with heightened cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients, especially in males. These findings have implications for optimizing dosing strategies while balancing efficacy and safety. Further research is warranted, particularly randomized controlled trials, to establish definitive ESA dosing guidelines.
PICO Summary
Population
Haemodialysis patients (17 studies, n= 372,156).
Intervention
Systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the relationship between erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) use and cardiovascular mortality.
Comparison
Outcome
Overall, ESA use was associated with a 27% increased risk of cardiovascular mortality (RR, 1.27; 95% CI [1.15, 1.40]). This risk varied by geographical location, with RRs of 1.27; 95% CI [1.14, 1.41] for America, 1.33; 95% CI [1.12, 1.58] for Asia, and 1.23; 95% CI [1.02, 1.49] for Europe. A gender disparity was revealed, with studies involving a higher proportion of males showing greater risks RR, 1.51; 95% CI [1.25, 1.83] than female-predominant studies RR, 1.08; 95% CI [0.86, 1.36].
-
7.
The efficacy of antifibrinolytic therapy in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Fatima K, Ur Rehman MA, Asmar A, Farooq H, Ahmad NU, Danial A, Ur Rehman ME, Khan AA, Tahir S, Ahmed U, et al
Future science OA. 2023;9(6):Fso866
Abstract
AIM: The efficacy of antifibrinolytics in subarachnoid hemorrhage remains unclear due to conflicting evidence from studies. MATERIALS & METHODS Online databases were queried to include randomized controlled trials and propensity matched observational studies. We used Review Manager for the statistical analysis, presenting results as odds ratios with 95% CI. RESULTS The 12 shortlisted studies included 3359 patients, of which 1550 (46%) were in the intervention (tranexamic acid) group and 1809 (54%) in the control group. Antifibrinolytic therapy significantly reduced the risk of rebleeding (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.40-0.75; p = 0.0002) with no significant decrease in poor clinical outcome (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.86-1.20; p = 0.85) and all-cause mortality (OR: 0.92; CI: 0.72-1.17; p = 0.50). CONCLUSION In patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, antifibrinolytics reduce the risk of rebleeding without significantly affecting mortality or clinical outcomes.
-
8.
Erythromycin prior to endoscopy for acute upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage
Adão, D., Gois, A. F., Pacheco, R. L., Pimentel, C. F., Riera, R.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2023;2(2):Cd013176
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upper endoscopy is the definitive treatment for upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage (UGIH). However, up to 13% of people who undergo upper endoscopy will have incomplete visualisation of the gastric mucosa at presentation. Erythromycin acts as a motilin receptor agonist in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract and increases gastric emptying, which may lead to better quality of visualisation and improved treatment effectiveness. However, there is uncertainty about the benefits and harms of erythromycin in UGIH. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the benefits and harms of erythromycin before endoscopy in adults with acute upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage, compared with any other treatment or no treatment/placebo. SEARCH METHODS We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 15 October 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated erythromycin before endoscopy compared to any other treatment or no treatment/placebo before endoscopy in adults with acute UGIH. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were 1. UGIH-related mortality and 2. serious adverse events. Our secondary outcomes were 1. all-cause mortality, 2. visualisation of gastric mucosa, 3. non-serious adverse events, 4. rebleeding, 5. blood transfusion, and 5. rescue invasive intervention. We used GRADE criteria to assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS We included 11 RCTs with 878 participants. The mean age ranged from 53.13 years to 64.5 years, and most participants were men (72.3%). One RCT included only non-variceal haemorrhage, one included only variceal haemorrhage, and eight included both aetiologies. We defined short-term outcomes as those occurring within one week of initial endoscopy. Erythromycin versus placebo Three RCTs (255 participants) compared erythromycin with placebo. There were no UGIH-related deaths. The evidence is very uncertain about the short-term effects of erythromycin compared with placebo on serious adverse events (risk difference (RD) -0.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.04 to 0.02; 3 studies, 255 participants; very low certainty), all-cause mortality (RD 0.00, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.03; 3 studies, 255 participants; very low certainty), non-serious adverse events (RD 0.01, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.05; 3 studies, 255 participants; very low certainty), and rebleeding (risk ratio (RR) 0.63, 95% CI 0.13 to 2.90; 2 studies, 195 participants; very low certainty). Erythromycin may improve gastric mucosa visualisation (mean difference (MD) 3.63 points on 16-point ordinal scale, 95% CI 2.20 to 5.05; higher MD means better visualisation; 2 studies, 195 participants; low certainty). Erythromycin may also result in a slight reduction in blood transfusion (MD -0.44 standard units of blood, 95% CI -0.86 to -0.01; 3 studies, 255 participants; low certainty). Erythromycin plus nasogastric tube lavage versus no intervention/placebo plus nasogastric tube lavage Six RCTs (408 participants) compared erythromycin plus nasogastric tube lavage with no intervention/placebo plus nasogastric tube lavage. There were no UGIH-related deaths and no serious adverse events. The evidence is very uncertain about the short-term effects of erythromycin plus nasogastric tube lavage compared with no intervention/placebo plus nasogastric tube lavage on all-cause mortality (RD -0.02, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.03; 3 studies, 238 participants; very low certainty), visualisation of the gastric mucosa (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.48 points on 10-point ordinal scale, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.85; higher SMD means better visualisation; 3 studies, 170 participants; very low certainty), non-serious adverse events (RD 0.00, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.05; 6 studies, 408 participants; very low certainty), rebleeding (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.63 to 2.02; 1 study, 169 participants; very low certainty), and blood transfusion (MD -1.85 standard units of blood, 95% CI -4.34 to 0.64; 3 studies, 180 participants; very low certainty). Erythromycin versus nasogastric tube lavage Four RCTs (287 participants) compared erythromycin with nasogastric tube lavage. There were no UGIH-related deaths and no serious adverse events. The evidence is very uncertain about the short-term effects of erythromycin compared with nasogastric tube lavage on all-cause mortality (RD 0.02, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.08; 3 studies, 213 participants; very low certainty), visualisation of the gastric mucosa (RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.79; 2 studies, 198 participants; very low certainty), non-serious adverse events (RD -0.10, 95% CI -0.34 to 0.13; 3 studies, 213 participants; very low certainty), rebleeding (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.49; 1 study, 169 participants; very low certainty), and blood transfusion (median 2 standard units of blood, interquartile range 0 to 4 in both groups; 1 study, 169 participants; very low certainty). Erythromycin plus nasogastric tube lavage versus metoclopramide plus nasogastric tube lavage One RCT (30 participants) compared erythromycin plus nasogastric tube lavage with metoclopramide plus nasogastric tube lavage. The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of erythromycin plus nasogastric tube lavage on all the reported outcomes (serious adverse events, visualisation of gastric mucosa, non-serious adverse events, and blood transfusion). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We are unsure if erythromycin before endoscopy in people with UGIH has any clinical benefits or harms. However, erythromycin compared with placebo may improve gastric mucosa visualisation and result in a slight reduction in blood transfusion.
-
9.
Treatment Options for Gastrointestinal Bleeding Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome: a systematic review
Rimondi A, Sorge A, Murino A, Nandi N, Scaramella L, Vecchi M, Tontini GE, Elli L
Digestive endoscopy : official journal of the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society. 2023
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare challenging cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. We performed a systematic review of case reports and case series on BRBNS to gather information on the treatment options currently available. METHOD All studies reporting a case of BRBNS in humans were evaluated. Papers were ruled out whether CARE criteria and explanations on patient's selection, ascertainment, causality, and reporting were not respected or identified. PROSPERO 2021 CRD 42021286982. RESULTS BRNBS was treated in 106 cases from 76 reports. 57.5% of the population was under 18 years old, and up to 50% of the cases reported a previous treatment. Clinical success was achieved in 98 patients (92.4%). Three main types of interventions were identified: systemic drug therapy, endoscopy and surgery. After BRBNS recurrence or previous therapy failure, systemic drug therapy emerged as a preferred second-line treatment over endoscopy (p=0.01), but with a higher rate of reported adverse events when compared with surgery and endoscopy (p < 0.001). Endoscopic treatment was associated with a higher number of required sessions to achieve complete eradication when compared with surgery (p < 0.001). No differences between the three main areas were found in the overall follow-up time (p=0.19) and in the recurrence rate (p=0.45). CONCLUSION Endoscopy, surgery and systemic drug therapy are feasible treatment options for BRBNS. Systemic drug therapy was the favourite second-line treatment after endoscopic failure or recurrence of BRBNS, but adverse events were more frequently reported.
-
10.
Endoscopic Primary Prophylaxis to Prevent Bleeding in Children with Esophageal Varices: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Alatas, F. S., Monica, E., Ongko, L., Kadim, M.
Pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology & nutrition. 2023;26(5):231-238
Abstract
PURPOSE This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare endoscopy as primary versus secondary prophylaxis to prevent future bleeding in children with esophageal varices. METHODS A systematic literature search using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method was conducted using the Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane databases for relevant studies on the outcome of rebleeding events after endoscopy in primary prophylaxis compared to that in secondary prophylaxis. The following keywords were used: esophageal varices, children, endoscopy, primary prophylaxis and bleeding. The quality of eligible articles was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and statistically analyzed using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS A total of 174 children were included from four eligible articles. All four studies were considered of high-quality based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Patients who received primary prophylaxis had 79% lower odds of bleeding than those who received secondary prophylaxis (odds ratio, 0.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07-0.66; I(2)=0%, p=0.008). Patients in the primary prophylaxis group underwent fewer endoscopic procedures to eradicate varices than those in the secondary prophylaxis group, with a mean difference of 1.73 (95% CI, 0.91-2.56; I(2)=62%, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION Children with high-risk varices who underwent primary prophylaxis were less likely to experience future bleeding episodes and required fewer endoscopic procedures to eradicate the varices than children who underwent secondary prophylaxis.