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Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children in Southern Iran

Seyed Mohsen Dehghani1, Mahmood Haghighat, Mohammad Hadi Imanieh

  • 1Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. dehghanism@sums.ac.ir

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|April 25, 2009
PubMed

Insights

In pediatric patients, gastric and duodenal erosions and ulcers were the most common causes of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. These findings indicate that causes of pediatric upper GI bleeding in developing countries are similar to those in developed nations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in children is a significant clinical concern.
  • Etiology of upper GI bleeding can vary between developed and developing countries.
  • Understanding local causes is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the causes of upper GI bleeding in pediatric patients at a center in a developing country.
  • To compare these causes with those reported in developed countries.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective evaluation of children with upper GI bleeding from March 2002 to March 2007.
  • Data collection included patient history, physical examination, and upper GI endoscopy findings.
  • Analysis of bleeding etiology, management, predisposing medications, and mortality rate.

Main Results:

  • Gastric erosions (28%) and esophageal varices (16%) were the most frequent causes of upper GI bleeding in 118 children.
  • Gastric ulcers (8.5%) and duodenal ulcers (6.8%) were also significant contributors.
  • Causes remained undetermined in 20.5% of cases; mortality rate was 1.7%.

Conclusions:

  • Gastric and duodenal erosions and ulcers account for approximately half of upper GI bleedings in pediatric patients studied.
  • The causes of upper GI bleeding in children in this developing country's center do not significantly differ from those in developed countries.
Abstract

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