Variceal Bleed Antibiotic Prophylaxis — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ
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Correct answer: E — Short-course intravenous antibacterial prophylaxis during the variceal bleed
The best answer is “Short-course intravenous antibacterial prophylaxis during the variceal bleed”. Acute variceal bleeding in cirrhosis carries high bacterial-infection risk, and short-course intravenous prophylaxis reduces infection, rebleeding and mortality; agent choice reflects local resistance and allergy. Cirrhosis causes clinically important infection risk, and acute variceal bleeding requires prophylactic intravenous antibiotics alongside haemostatic care.
Reference: NICE NG50: cirrhosis in over 16s: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng50/chapter/Recommendations