Review article: transfusion in gastrointestinal haemorrhage - if, when andhow much?

Despite the conventional wisdom that blood transfusion is of use in acute u pper gastrointestinal haemorrhage, this review proposes that there is consi derable doubt about the optimal timing and intensity of transfusion of bloo d and crystalloids in this setting. It advocates the need for controlled tr ials to identify the most appropriate timing and intensity of transfusion o f patients with acute gastrointestinal haemorrhage.