Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Children

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is defined as bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract where the source of bleeding is proximal to the ligament of Treitz. UGIB is uncommon, but a potentially serious lifethreatening problem in children. The clinical manifestation of UGIB in children ranges from asymptomatic microcytic anemia to hypovolemic shock. As the etiology of UGIB varies with age, it is important to be aware of the specific etiologies at different ages when assessing children with UGIB. It is imperative that each child with UGIB be evaluated carefully, including an assessment of the patient's cardiorespiratory status along with other diagnostic studies for determining the underlying cause of bleeding.