Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Management

Abstract

There is a broad clinical spectrum of gastrointestinal bleeding in children, ranging from subtle laboratory findings to dramatic clinical presentations. This review provides a framework for the evaluation and management of gastrointestinal hemorrhage for pediatricians. It outlines strategies for obtaining a tailored patient history and conducting a thorough physical examination that can shed light on the location, severity, and likely etiology of bleeding. It appraises blood tests, radiologic tools, and endoscopic modalities frequently used to identify and control a source of bleeding.

Keywords: Endoscopy; Hematemesis; Hematochezia; Melena; Peptic ulcer; Varices; Vascular anomaly.