Forrest classification


Forrest classification is a classification of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage used for purposes of comparison and in selecting patients for endoscopic treatment.

Forrest classification

Acute hemorrhage
  • Forrest I a
  • Forrest I b
Signs of recent hemorrhage
  • Forrest II a
  • Forrest II b
  • Forrest II c
Lesions without active bleeding

Application

Forrest's classification is instrumental when stratifying patients with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage into high and low risk categories for mortality. It is also a significant method of prediction of the risk of rebleeding and very often is used for evaluation of the
endoscopic intervention modalities. A prospective controlled study revealed that "Forrest criteria are essential for proper planning of endoscopic therapy and urgent surgery in bleeding peptic ulcers".

History

The classification was first published by J.A. Forrest, et al. in the Lancet in 1974.