Korean J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr.  2010 Dec;13(Suppl 1):S51-S58. 10.5223/kjpgn.2010.13.Suppl1.S51.

Diagnostic Approach of Lower GI Bleeding in Children

• Jeong SJ

• KMID: 2275466
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5223/kjpgn.2010.13.Suppl1.S51

Abstract

Lower GI bleeding is one of the common and difficult problems in the practice of general pediatrics. Causes of bleeding are various but somewhat age-specific in children. A specific diagnosis can usually be made with a accurate history taking, physical examination, included rectal exam, simple laboratory investigations, and appropriate diagnostic studies. Further evaluations can be unnecessary if the patient have a small amount of bleeding and stable vital sign. But precise investigation included abdominal sonography, endoscopy, Meckel's scan, and bleeding scan, are needed on a case by case. Treatment should be directed at the underlying cause. In most children, bleeding ceases spontaneously, and only supportive therapy is necessary. If there is evidence of hypovolemia, the patient must be hemodynamically stabilized, active bleeding stopped, and recurrent bleeding prevented. This review included age-specific cases such as Allergic proctocolitis, Meckel's diverticulum, Juvenile polyps, Henoch-scholein purpura, and Crohn disease, of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in children. Also it will assist the physician in determining appropriate assessment and treatment for children with lower GI bleeding through the usual cases.

Keyword

Lower GI bleeding; Children; Age-specific

MeSH Terms

Child
Crohn Disease
Endoscopy
Hemorrhage
Humans
Hypovolemia
Meckel Diverticulum
Pediatrics
Physical Examination
Polyps
Proctocolitis
Purpura
Vital Signs

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