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Lower GI Bleeding, Pediatric

Michael A. Manfredi, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is defined as bleeding that occurs distal to the ligament of Treitz. The classic clinical symptom is hematochezia. However, always keep in mind...

DIAGNOSIS

The initial evaluation of patients presenting with GI bleeding focuses on assessment of vital signs, history of present illness, focused medical history, physical examination, and lab testin...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Initial management of significant LGIB with hemodynamic instability:

    • Patients should be made NPO.

    • Achieve stable IV access.

    • Obtain blood type, and cross-match RBCs.

    • Stabilize the...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Monitor hemoglobin in the hospital until patient’s condition is stable.

  • For patients with LGIB that is chronic in nature and hemodynamically stable, they can be re...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Boyle JT. Gastrointestinal bleeding in infants and children. Pediatric Rev.  2008;29(2):39–52. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Cohen SA, Klevens AI. Use of capsule endoscopy in ...

CODES

ICD9

  • 578.9 Hemorrhage of gastrointestinal tract, unspecified

  • 578.1 Blood in stool

  • 558.3 Allergic gastroenteritis and colitis

ICD10

  • K92.2 Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, unspecified

  • K92.1 Melena

  • K52.2 Alle...

FAQ

  • Q: What is the most common cause of LGIB in an infant?

  • A: Allergic colitis

  • Q: What common foods cause stools to be red?

  • A: Raspberries, cranberries, Kool-Aid, artificial coloring in cereal

  • Q: What com...

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