The use of red blood cell transfusions on patients admitted with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding needs to be reviewed, according to doctors.

A study by the University of Nottingham Medical School found such transfusions were less beneficial to patients who were not experiencing considerable blood loss.

It also found patients were more than twice as likely to suffer further bleeding if given the transfusion within 12 hours and that death rates were over 25% higher in those who had received one within that timescale.

The university looked at more than 200 hospitals as part of the study.

Professor Richard Logan said: "AUGIB accounts for 14% of red blood cell units transfused in the UK.

"While red blood cell transfusions may save the lives of people who are experiencing considerable blood loss, the benefits are less evident when the bleeding is not as severe."

Early transfusions were more likely to be given to patients who showed signs of haemodynamic instability, had a lower initial haemoglobin level and, when endoscoped, were found to have peptic ulcers, dilated veins in the oesophagus or major signs of recent bleeding.

Prof Logan added: "While our findings may be surprising, it should be pointed out that transfusions to replace red blood cells can sometimes result in serious adverse effects.

"These can include increased risk of post-operative infection, acute respiratory distress syndrome, multi-organ failure and death.

"What is clear is that a randomised comparison of restrictive and liberal transfusion policies in AUGIB is urgently required," he said.

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