[Massive gastric ulcer bleeding in a healthy full term infant]

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Gastric ulcer bleeding is common in preterm and critically ill neonates.
• Significant gastric ulcer bleeding in healthy full-term infants is rare.

Observation:

• A case of massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding occurred in a 3-day-old healthy full-term infant.
• Endoscopy revealed gastric ulcerations, which were treated with transfusion and histamine 2 receptor antagonist.
• The infant's mother had positive serum antibodies to Helicobacter pylori.

Findings:

• Despite maternal Helicobacter pylori antibodies, the infant and 17 other neonates tested negative for H. pylori DNA via PCR.
• Helicobacter pylori infection was not implicated in the upper GI bleeding of this healthy full-term infant.
• Pediatric endoscopy proved to be a simple, well-tolerated, and effective diagnostic tool for upper GI bleeding in infants.

Implications:

• Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in healthy full-term infants may stem from causes other than Helicobacter pylori infection.
• Early diagnosis and management of infant GI bleeding are crucial.
• Pediatric endoscopy is a valuable and accessible procedure for diagnosing upper GI bleeding in neonates.