The effectiveness of the MAP(ASH) score in predicting clinical outcomes in patients with acute variceal bleeding

Acute variceal bleeding is one of the most fatal complications of cirrhosis. Accurate risk stratification is crucial to guide management and predict prognosis. Most existing scoring systems have limitations due to subjective variables and difficulties in practical application. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic performance of the MAP(ASH) score, a novel and bedside applicable system previously validated in nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding, in patients with acute variceal bleeding. Between January 2019 and December 2024, 681 patients admitted with suspected upper gastrointestinal bleeding were retrospectively screened. Active variceal bleeding was confirmed in 162 patients, of whom 66 with complete data were included. The MAP(ASH) score was calculated by assigning 2 points for hemoglobin