- Patients must have evidence of severe UGI bleeding by laboratory tests (Hgb less than or equal to 9 gms; with red blood cell (RBC) transfusions; or documented decrease in Hgb of greater than or equal to 2 gms relative to baseline) and by clinical parameters (melena; hematemesis or hematochezia; nasogastric tube (NG) evidence of UGI bleeding- fresh blood, clots, or old blood).