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Massive gastrointestinal bleeding in infants with ascariasis

Surasak Sangkhathat1, Sakda Patrapinyokul, Prasit Wudhisuthimethawee

  • 1Pediatric Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hadyai, Songkhla, Thailand.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|November 14, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Intestinal ascariasis from Ascaris lumbricoides can cause rare but severe gastrointestinal bleeding in infants. Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing complications like perforation and peritonitis.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Ascariasis, caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, is a common helminthic infection globally.
  • While typically causing gastrointestinal upset, severe complications like massive bleeding are infrequently reported.

Observation:

  • Two infant cases presented with massive hematemesis, a rare symptom of ascariasis.
  • One infant developed a duodenal ulcer with bleeding parasites, leading to perforation post-extraction.
  • The second infant experienced hematemesis and peritonitis, associated with intestinal volvulus and gangrene.

Findings:

  • Ascaris lumbricoides infestation can lead to significant gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Complications such as duodenal ulcers, perforation, volvulus, and gangrene are associated with severe ascariasis.

Implications:

  • Highlights the potential for severe gastrointestinal bleeding in intestinal ascariasis, particularly in infants.
  • Emphasizes the need for considering ascariasis in the differential diagnosis of massive hematemesis in endemic regions.
  • Underscores the importance of timely parasitic removal and management of associated surgical complications.

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