Leech Application-related Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Case Report
Case report published in Bulletin of emergency and trauma (2023)
Abstract
Leech therapy (Hirudotherapy) is a method used in the treatment of many diseases since ancient times. Although many complications have been reported following the use of this method, no systemic life-threatening bleeding has yet been described. A-43-year-old male patient was diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal bleeding following leech application that he had received for infertility one week earlier. The complications of hirudotherapy typically spontaneously improve due to the local effects of this treatment. The most frequently reported complications are local infections, and less commonly allergies and prolonged local bleeding can occur. However, in this case report, we describe a life-threatening upper gastrointestinal bleeding as a new complication. Gastrointestinal bleeding appearing a week after leech therapy does not necessarily mean that leeches caused gastrointestinal bleeding in this case. Nevertheless, considering the development time of gastrointestinal bleeding, it can be deduced that it was possibly due to hirudotherapy. Patients should be informed about alarming symptoms that can indicate complications following leech application.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Leech therapy (Hirudotherapy) is a method used in the treatment of many diseases since ancient times. Although many complications have been reported following the use of this method, no systemic life-threatening bleeding has yet been described.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este reporte de caso describe a un varón de 43 años que desarrolló hemorragia gastrointestinal alta una semana después de recibir terapia con sanguijuelas por infertilidad, lo cual los autores proponen como una complicación recientemente reconocida y potencialmente mortal de la hirudoterapia. El reporte es directamente relevante al dominio de ASH porque documenta un evento adverso grave temporalmente asociado con la aplicación de sanguijuelas y subraya la importancia de informar a los pacientes sobre síntomas de alarma que pueden presentarse después del tratamiento. Sin embargo, al tratarse de un reporte de caso único, no puede establecer causalidad, y los propios autores señalan que la hemorragia no necesariamente significa que las sanguijuelas fueran las responsables. Su valor se limita por lo tanto a aumentar la conciencia sobre una posible complicación rara, más que a confirmar un riesgo definitivo.
Citación
Leech Application-related Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Case Report.
Dolek U et al. · Bulletin of emergency and trauma, 2023
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: March 18, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026