What are the indications for blood transfusion in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

Blood transfusion is indicated in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding who are actively bleeding and have a platelet count of less than 50 x 10⁹/litre, or have a prothrombin time (or INR) greater than 1.5 times normal, especially if bleeding is ongoing ².

It is also recommended for patients with severe bleeding or haemodynamic instability, as part of resuscitation and management ¹.