Emergency Management of Major Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage in Children

Abstract

Major upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage is an alarming clinical presentation in infants and children. Although the etiology varies according to age at presentation, the shared principles of diagnosis and management include prompt assessment, resuscitation, investigation and therapeutic intervention. Patients with portal hypertension and other significant medical comorbidities warrant special consideration and medical management. Data on the epidemiology and outcomes of children with major upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage are limited and further research to address these questions is keenly awaited.