Glasgow-Blatchford Score — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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ModerateGastroenterologyGlasgow-Blatchford ScoreRACP Adult Medicine

A 55-year-old man presents with acute upper GI bleeding. He has melaena, HR 105 bpm, BP 100/60 mmHg, Hb 88 g/L, urea 15 mmol/L. He has no liver disease or heart failure. His Glasgow-Blatchford score is calculated. Which GBS component indicates the highest urgency for intervention?

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Correct answer: E — Systolic BP <100 mmHg

The Glasgow-Blatchford Score (GBS) stratifies UGIB patients for need for intervention. Systolic BP <100 mmHg scores the highest among the standard GBS parameters (scores 2–3 points depending on degree). A GBS of 0 identifies very low-risk patients who may be safely discharged for outpatient endoscopy. This patient's GBS is high (≥6) requiring urgent inpatient endoscopy.

Reference: eTG Gastrointestinal – 2024 – UGIB; BSG 2024