Gastrointestinal Bleeding In Infants Research Articles

An Overview of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Infants and Toddlers: A Review Article

An Overview of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Infants and Toddlers: A Review Article

Stress ulcer prophylaxis versus placebo\u2014a blinded randomized control trial to evaluate the safety of two strategies in critically ill infants with congenital heart disease (SUPPRESS-CHD)

BackgroundCritically ill infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) are often prescribed stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) to prevent upper gastrointestinal bleeding, despite the low incidence of stress ulcers and limited data on the safety and efficacy of SUP in infants. Recently, SUP has been associated with an increased incidence of hospital-acquired infections, community-acquired pneumonia, and necrotizing enterocolitis. The objective of this pilot study is to investigate the feasibility of performing a randomized controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of withholding SUP in infants with congenital heart disease admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit.MethodsA single center, prospective, double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled pilot feasibility trial will be performed in infants with CHD admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit and anticipated to require respiratory support for > 24 h. Patients will be randomized to receive a histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) or placebo until they are discontinued from respiratory support. Randomization will be performed within 2 strata defined by admission type (medical or surgical) and age (neonate, age < 30 days, or infant, 1 month to 1 year). Allocation will be a 1:1 ratio using permuted blocks to ensure balanced allocations across the two treatment groups within each stratum. The primary outcomes include feasibility of screening, consent, timely allocation of study drug, and protocol adherence. The primary safety outcome is the rate of clinically significant upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The secondary outcomes are the difference in the relative and absolute abundance of the gut microbiota and functional microbial profiles between the two study groups. We plan to enroll 100 patients in this pilot study.DiscussionRoutine use of SUP to prevent upper gastrointestinal bleeding in infants is controversial due to a low incidence of bleeding events and concern for adverse effects. The role of SUP in infants with CHD has not been examined, and there is equipoise on the risks and benefits of withholding this therapy. In addition, this therapy has been discontinued in other neonatal populations due to the concern for hospital-acquired infections and necrotizing enterocolitis. Furthermore, exploring changes to the microbiome after exposure to SUP may highlight the mechanisms by which SUP impacts potential microbial dysbiosis of the gut and its association with hospital-acquired infections. Assessment of the feasibility of a trial of withholding SUP in critically ill infants with CHD will facilitate planning of a larger multicenter trial of safety and efficacy of SUP in this vulnerable population.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03667703. Registered 12 September 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03667703?term=SUPPRESS+CHD&draw=2&rank=1.All WHO Trial Registration Data Set Criteria are met in this manuscript.

Pharmacological interventions for prevention and treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in newborn infants.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is typically a mild, self-limiting condition that can affect both preterm and term neonates, although it can be severe particularly when associated with co-morbidities. Pharmacological interventions with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA), antacid, bismuth and sucralfate may have effects on both the prevention and treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in infants. To assess how different pharmacological interventions (PPIs, H2RAs, antacids, sucralfate or bismuth salts) administered to preterm and term neonates for the prevention or treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding to reduce morbidity and mortality compare with placebo or no treatment, supportive care, or each other. We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2018, Issue 6), MEDLINE via PubMed (1966 to 12 July 2018), Embase (1980 to 12 July 2018), and CINAHL (1982 to 12 July 2018). We also searched clinical trial databases, conference proceedings, the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised trials, and online for Chinese literature articles. We selected randomised, quasi-randomised and cluster-randomised trials involving preterm and term neonates. Trials were included if they used a proton pump inhibitor, H2 receptor antagonist, antacid, sucralfate or bismuth either for the prevention or treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Two review authors independently assessed the eligibility of studies for inclusion, extracted data and assessed methodological quality. We conducted meta-analysis using a fixed-effect model. We used the GRADE approach to assess quality of evidence. Eleven studies with 818 infants met the criteria for inclusion in this review.Four trials with 329 infants assessed the use of an H2 receptor antagonist for prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in high-risk newborn infants. Meta-analysis of these four trials identified a reduction in any upper gastrointestinal bleeding when using an H2 receptor antagonist (typical risk ratio (RR) 0.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22 to 0.58; typical risk difference (RD) -0.20, 95% CI -0.28 to -0.11; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 5, 95% CI 4 to 9). The quality of evidence was moderate. A single trial with 53 infants assessing prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding reported no difference in mortality in infants assigned H2 receptor antagonist versus no treatment; however the quality of evidence was very low.Seven trials with 489 infants assessed an inhibitor of gastric acid (H2 receptor antagonist or proton pump inhibitor) for treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding in newborn infants. Meta-analysis of two trials (131 infants) showed no difference in mortality from use of a H2 receptor antagonist compared to no treatment. The quality of evidence was low. Meta-analysis of two trials (104 infants) showed a reduction in duration of upper gastrointestinal bleeding from use of an inhibitor of gastric acid compared to no treatment (mean difference -1.06 days, 95% CI -1.28 to -0.84). The quality of evidence was very low. Meta-analysis of six trials (451 infants) showed a reduction in continued upper gastrointestinal bleeding from use of any inhibitor of gastric acid compared to no treatment (typical RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.49; typical RD -0.26, 95% CI -0.33, -0.19; NNTB 4, 95% CI 3 to 5). The quality of evidence was low. There were no significant subgroup differences in duration of upper gastrointestinal bleeding or of continued upper gastrointestinal bleeding according to type of inhibitor of gastric acid. A single trial (38 infants) reported no difference in anaemia requiring blood transfusion from use of a H2 receptor antagonist compared to no treatment.Although no serious adverse events were reported from the use of a H2 receptor antagonist or proton pump inhibitor, some neonatal morbidities - including necrotising enterocolitis, ventilator-associated pneumonia, duration of ventilation and respiratory support, and duration of hospital stay - were not reported. Long-term outcome was not reported. There is moderate-quality evidence that use of an H2 receptor antagonist reduces the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in newborn infants at high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. There is low-quality evidence that use of an inhibitor of gastric acid (H2 receptor antagonist or proton pump inhibitor) reduces the duration of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and the incidence of continued gastric bleeding in newborn infants with gastrointestinal bleeding. However, there is no evidence that use of an inhibitor of gastric acid in newborn infants affects mortality or the need for blood transfusion. As no study reported the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis, ventilator- or hospital-associated pneumonia, sepsis, or long-term outcome, the safety of inhibitors of gastric acid secretion is unclear.

Use of Foley Catheter Instead of Digital Rectal Examination for Detection of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Infants and Children

A digital rectal examination is a highly important procedure carried out on infants and children during visits to the gastroenterology clinic, but is often accompanied with physiologic and psychologic trauma in patients, along with being diagnostically inaccurate in the results obtained from it. In order to avoid causing discomfort to the patients, and to improve the accuracy of the results obtained from a DRE, we have articulated a much safer and more precise method of conducting the examination. The use of a 16 French Foley Catheter in the collection of stool samples during a DRE has proved to be an innovative technique, which eliminates discomfort in patients, provides a less stressful environment for both the physician and the family of the patient, along with providing unambiguous results for the FOBT. The use of this technique will not only produce accurate results, but will also eliminate reasons to avoid such an important examination due to the uncomfortable situation a normal DRE would cause.

Pharmacological interventions for prevention and treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in newborn infants

Background Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is typically a mild, self-limiting condition that can affect both preterm and term neonates, although it can be severe particularly when associated with co-morbidities. Pharmacological interventions with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA), antacid, bismuth and sucralfate may have effects on both the prevention and treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in infants. Objectives To assess how different pharmacological interventions (PPIs, H2RAs, antacids, sucralfate or bismuth salts) administered to preterm and term neonates for the prevention or treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding to reduce morbidity and mortality compare with placebo or no treatment, supportive care, or each other. Search methods We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2018, Issue 6), MEDLINE via PubMed (1966 to 12 July 2018), Embase (1980 to 12 July 2018), and CINAHL (1982 to 12 July 2018). We also searched clinical trial databases, conference proceedings, the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised trials, and online for Chinese literature articles. Selection criteria We selected randomised, quasi-randomised and cluster-randomised trials involving preterm and term neonates. Trials were included if they used a proton pump inhibitor, H2 receptor antagonist, antacid, sucralfate or bismuth either for the prevention or treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Data collection and analysis Two review authors independently assessed the eligibility of studies for inclusion, extracted data and assessed methodological quality. We conducted meta-analysis using a fixed-effect model. We used the GRADE approach to assess quality of evidence. Main results Eleven studies with 818 infants met the criteria for inclusion in this review.Four trials with 329 infants assessed the use of an H2 receptor antagonist for prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in high-risk newborn infants. Meta-analysis of these four trials identified a reduction in any upper gastrointestinal bleeding when using an H2 receptor antagonist (typical risk ratio (RR) 0.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22 to 0.58; typical risk difference (RD) -0.20, 95% CI -0.28 to -0.11; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 5, 95% CI 4 to 9). The quality of evidence was moderate. A single trial with 53 infants assessing prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding reported no difference in mortality in infants assigned H2 receptor antagonist versus no treatment; however the quality of evidence was very low.Seven trials with 489 infants assessed an inhibitor of gastric acid (H2 receptor antagonist or proton pump inhibitor) for treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding in newborn infants. Meta-analysis of two trials (131 infants) showed no difference in mortality from use of a H2 receptor antagonist compared to no treatment. The quality of evidence was low. Meta-analysis of two trials (104 infants) showed a reduction in duration of upper gastrointestinal bleeding from use of an inhibitor of gastric acid compared to no treatment (mean difference -1.06 days, 95% CI -1.28 to -0.84). The quality of evidence was very low. Meta-analysis of six trials (451 infants) showed a reduction in continued upper gastrointestinal bleeding from use of any inhibitor of gastric acid compared to no treatment (typical RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.49; typical RD -0.26, 95% CI -0.33, -0.19; NNTB 4, 95% CI 3 to 5). The quality of evidence was low. There were no significant subgroup differences in duration of upper gastrointestinal bleeding or of continued upper gastrointestinal bleeding according to type of inhibitor of gastric acid. A single trial (38 infants) reported no difference in anaemia requiring blood transfusion from use of a H2 receptor antagonist compared to no treatment.Although no serious adverse events were reported from the use of a H2 receptor antagonist or proton pump inhibitor, some neonatal morbidities - including necrotising enterocolitis, ventilator-associated pneumonia, duration of ventilation and respiratory support, and duration of hospital stay - were not reported. Long-term outcome was not reported. Authors' conclusions There is moderate-quality evidence that use of an H2 receptor antagonist reduces the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in newborn infants at high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. There is low-quality evidence that use of an inhibitor of gastric acid (H2 receptor antagonist or proton pump inhibitor) reduces the duration of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and the incidence of continued gastric bleeding in newborn infants with gastrointestinal bleeding. However, there is no evidence that use of an inhibitor of gastric acid in newborn infants affects mortality or the need for blood transfusion. As no study reported the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis, ventilator- or hospital-associated pneumonia, sepsis, or long-term outcome, the safety of inhibitors of gastric acid secretion is unclear.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Infantile Hemangioma: A Complication of Segmental, Rather than Multifocal, Infantile Hemangiomas

To highlight an association of facial segmental hemangiomas with gastrointestinal bleeding in infants with infantile hemangiomas. We conducted a multicenter retrospective case series study. Ten female patients met study inclusion criteria; 8 were Caucasian, 9 had a facial segmental hemangioma, and 9 cases met the diagnostic criteria for definitive posterior fossa malformations, hemangioma, arterial lesions, cardiac anomalies/coarctation of the aorta and eye abnormalities syndrome with abnormalities of the aorta and cerebral arteriopathy. Severe gastrointestinal bleeding requiring blood transfusion occurred in 9 cases, with age at presentation of gastrointestinal bleeding ranging from 8 days to 6 months. When detected, the location of the hemangioma in the small intestine was in the distribution of the superior mesenteric artery. More than one agent was required to control the gastrointestinal bleeding, including oral or intravenous steroids, vincristine, oral propranolol, interferon, and resection of the small intestine. All cases needed ongoing support care with red blood cell transfusions. Gastrointestinal bleeding is a rare complication of true infantile hemangioma. The segmental pattern of the cutaneous hemangioma associated with gastrointestinal bleeding should suggest a segmental infantile hemangioma of the lower gastrointestinal tract.

Evaluation of Arterial Phase MDCT for the Characterization of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Infants and Children: Preliminary Results

The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the accuracy of MDCT for the characterization of occult lower gastrointestinal bleeding in infants and children. MDCT examinations were prospectively performed on 27 patients (2l boys, six girls; age range, 2 months-18 years). Patients with known causes of lower gastrointestinal bleeding were excluded from the study. Nonionic contrast medium was administered in an amount based on body weight. Images were obtained with a 16-MDCT scanner. For the arterial phase the section thickness was 1 mm; beam pitch, 1; and reconstruction interval, 0.7 mm. The scans were examined for abnormal vessels and extravasation of contrast medium. Two radiologists independently reviewed the images. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of MDCT were assessed with the pathologic findings or the final diagnosis as the reference standard. Twenty of 27 patients had abnormal MDCT findings: arteriovenous malformation in 17 patients and Meckel's diverticulum in three patients. Contrast extravasation was identified in four patients. Surgery was performed on 13 of the 27 patients, and the diagnosis was otherwise confirmed in two additional patients. In these 15 cases, the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of MDCT were 82%, 50%, and 74%. The interobserver difference was not significant (McNemar exact test, p = 0.063). MDCT can be used to identify the location and source of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in infants and children.

Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases (EGIDs)

Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases (EGIDs)

Gastrointestinal bleeding in infants and children

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in infants and children is an alarming symptom to both the patient and parents. It can present orally and/or rectally. While minor GI bleeding is usually a self-limited condition, requiring only minimal intervention, it can certainly be a life-threatening condition at times. An initial focused review of the history and physical examination, followed by a detailed history, investigations and management, is necessary to identify the etiology of the bleeding and aid in its treatment. This article reviews the different etiologies, investigation and therapeutic options for management of GI bleeding in infants and children.

Therapeutic Endoscopy for Nonvariceal Gastrointestinal Bleeding

The evaluation and management of acute gastrointestinal bleeding in infants, children, and adolescents is a reason for emergency consultation frequently cited by pediatric gastroenterologists. After stabilization of the patient's condition, endoscopic evaluation remains the most rapid and accurate method to identify the origin of acute bleeding in the majority of lesions in the pediatric age group. Several endoscopic techniques may be applied to bleeding lesions to achieve hemostasis. Familiarity with the various techniques and with the specifics of their use is essential for the pediatric endoscopist. This review focuses on the endoscopic management of acute nonvariceal bleeding in infants and children.

The role of laparoscopy in the diagnosis of intestinal vascular anomalies affecting two small infants

Two infants affected by intestinal vascular anomalies causing lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage are reported. Upper and lower gastrointestinal tract endoscopy and radionuclide scan were negative. The authors found laparoscopic exploration very useful in detecting the cause and the site of bleeding. Because the usual investigations for gastrointestinal bleeding have been proven to be time-consuming and often unreliable in small infants, the authors suggest considering laparoscopic exploration as a first-line diagnostic tool in this subset of patients. A new diagnostic algorithm for gastrointestinal bleeding in infants is proposed.

Management of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Children.

Gastrointestinal bleeding in infants and children is a potentially life-threatening problem that is encountered by virtually all practicing pediatric gastroenterologists. Youngsters with a normal hematocrit, hemodynamic stability, and a history consistent with an acute, self-limited illness most frequently need only close observation; others require more in-depth assessment and intervention. Meticulous attention to the patient's cardiopulmonary status and knowledge of appropriate pediatric resuscitation schemes form the cornerstones on which more specific therapeutic interventions are based. Many treatment techniques and approaches have been extrapolated for pediatric use from adult studies; the regimen implemented for a child should be individualized and based on factors such as patient size, underlying condition, and operator expertise. Although the physician treating pediatric gastrointestinal hemorrhage requires more than a modicum of patience and determination, this must be tempered with a ready willingness to seek consultation from surgical colleagues to ensure optimal outcomes. Knowledge of acid-suppressive and vasoactive medications is essential, as is familiarity with at least one injection technique and one thermocoagulation technique for hemostasis. Endoscopic sclerotherapy and variceal band ligation are equally efficacious in achieving control of acute variceal bleeding, but band ligation is emerging as the technique best suited for prophylaxis. Beta blockade appears to have a smaller and less well-defined role in pediatric variceal prophylaxis compared with that in adults, but random controlled trials are necessary to confirm this impression.

A Review of the Causes of Lower Gastrointestinal Tract Bleeding in Children

Bleeding may occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract, which covers a large surface area and is highly vascularized. While gastrointestinal bleeding is an alarming symptom for patients of any age, it can cause panic for children and their care givers. Early diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding may be essential. The differential diagnosis of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract in infants and children includes numerous possibilities ranging from benign disorders which require little or no treatment at all, to serious diseases which require immediate intervention. This article reviews a variety of disorders which may cause upper gastrointestinal bleeding in infants and children. This is part one, of a two part series, on gastrointestinal bleeding in children. Part two will discuss bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract.

GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING IN INFANCY AND CHILDHOOD

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is an alarming problem in children. Although many causes of GI bleeding are common to children and adults, the frequency of specific causes differs greatly, and some lesions, such as necrotizing enterocolitis or allergic colitis, are unique to children. This article reviews the spectrum of GI bleeding in infants and children. The causes, diagnostic evaluation, and management are discussed, and differences with adult medicine are highlighted.

Gastrointestinal bleeding in infants and children: Meckel's diverticulum and intestinal duplication.

Gastrointestinal bleeding in infants and children can be quite alarming and anxiety-provoking for parents and caregivers alike. In most cases the cause is benign, and the course self-limited. However, in the patient with significant bleeding, an aggressive diagnostic approach is warranted. The differential diagnosis can be extensive and varies depending on the age of the patient. Meckel's diverticula and intestinal duplications may cause gastrointestinal bleeding in almost any age group and require a high index of suspicion for diagnosis. Bleeding usually is painless but may be massive. The advent of technetium (Tc) 99m pertechnetate radionuclide scanning has greatly facilitated the diagnosis of Meckel's diverticula and may also be useful for intestinal duplications. A positive scan requires the presence of ectopic gastric mucosa, which may be identified in both Meckel's diverticula and intestinal duplications. The significance of ectopic gastric mucosa is that it contains acid-secreting parietal cells, which may cause ulceration and bleeding. Only rarely are intestinal duplications diagnosed preoperatively. After initial fluid resuscitation, bleeding from Meckel's diverticula and intestinal duplications require surgical intervention. Resection is the treatment of choice. Diverticulectomy or segmental bowel resection including the diverticulum should be performed for bleeding Meckel's diverticula. It is important to remove the ectopic mucosa and site of ulceration to prevent rebleeding episodes. Intestinal duplications share a common wall and blood supply with native bowel. Segmental resection is indicated if it can be performed without sacrificing a significant portion of bowel. A recent advance has been laparoscopic-assisted resection of Meckel's diverticula and intestinal duplication cysts. With the aid of the laparoscope, extracorporeal or intracorporeal resection may be performed.

Gastrointestinal bleeding in children: an overview of conditions requiring nonoperative management.

Gastrointestinal bleeding in infants and children is a common problem in the practice of general pediatrics. This report outlines the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal bleeding in children that does not require surgical or invasive intervention. The spectrum of responsible entities are quite diverse and include a variety of immune-mediated diseases, peptic diseases, drug induced disorders, infections, and coagulation disorders. Through understanding the nature of the above-described problems, appropriate diagnostic and management principles can be applied.

Side-to-side lienorenal shunt without splenectomy in noncirrhotic portal hypertension in children

Noncirrhotic portal hypertension is a common cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in infants, children, and adolescents in India. More than one major bleeding episode, severe hypersplenism, presence of fundal varices, rare blood group, remoteness from the hospital, and patient noncompliance to sclerotherapy formed the main indications for shunt surgery. One hundred four cases of noncirrhotic portal hypertension (age range, 18 months to 20 years) underwent side-to-side lienorenal shunt (SSLR) without splenectomy in a period of 15 years. Splenic veins varying in diameter from 4 to 18 mm and in length from 3 to 4 cm were skeletonized through the root of transverse mesocolon and a shunt of at least 1.5 cm in diameter was constructed. At a mean follow-up of 54 months, 87% of shunts were patent, 13% of shunts were blocked, and 2% were inadequate. Ten percent of the children had rebled, all of whom had a blocked shunt. Growth and development was normal and no patients developed encephalopathy. There was a good correlation between shunt patency on splenoportography and endoscopic disappearance of varices, reduction in the size of spleen and splenic pulp pressure, and improvement of hypersplenism.

Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

Two types of upper gastrointestinal bleeding can be differentiated in the critical care setting: bleeding caused by a gastroenterologic disorder or bleeding that develops as a complication of a nongastroenterologic critical illness. A clinical approach to upper gastrointestinal bleeding is presented. Lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage and the diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding in infants and children are also briefly discussed.

Diagnosis of an Enteric Duplication with Pertechnetate 99m Tc Scanning

A case of enteric duplication is reported in which preoperative pertechnetate (99m)Tc scanning demonstrated localized uptake in the region of the anatomic abnormality. This test is recommended for use in the evaluation of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in infants and children.

Gastrointestinal bleeding in infants and children. Radiologic investigation

Gastrointestinal bleeding in infants and children. Radiologic investigation