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Kocic M, Rasic P, Marusic V, Prokic D, Savic D, Milickovic M, Kitic I, Mijovic T, Sarajlija A. Age-specific causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:6095-6110. [PMID: 38186684 PMCID: PMC10768410 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i47.6095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) varies by age, from newborns to adolescents, with some of the causes overlapping between age groups. While particular causes such as vitamin K deficiency and cow's milk protein allergy are limited to specific age groups, occurring only in neonates and infants, others such as erosive esophagitis and gastritis may be identified at all ages. Furthermore, the incidence of UGIB is variable throughout the world and in different hospital settings. In North America and Europe, most UGIBs are non-variceal, associated with erosive esophagitis, gastritis, and gastric and duodenal ulcers. In recent years, the most common causes in some Middle Eastern and Far Eastern countries are becoming similar to those in Western countries. However, variceal bleeding still predominates in certain parts of the world, especially in South Asia. The most severe hemorrhage arises from variceal bleeding, peptic ulceration, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Hematemesis is a credible indicator of a UGI source of bleeding in the majority of patients. Being familiar with the most likely UGIB causes in specific ages and geographic areas is especially important for adequate orientation in clinical settings, the use of proper diagnostic tests, and rapid initiation of the therapy. The fundamental approach to the management of UGIB includes an immediate assessment of severity, detecting possible causes, and providing hemodynamic stability, followed by early endoscopy. Unusual UGIB causes must always be considered when establishing a diagnosis in the pediatric population because some of them are unique to children. Endoscopic techniques are of significant diagnostic value, and combined with medicaments, may be used for the management of acute bleeding. Finally, surgical treatment is reserved for the most severe bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Kocic
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Mother and Child Health Care Institute of Serbia “Dr. Vukan Cupic”, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Petar Rasic
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Mother and Child Health Care Institute of Serbia “Dr. Vukan Cupic”, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Vuk Marusic
- Institute of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Dragan Prokic
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Mother and Child Health Care Institute of Serbia “Dr. Vukan Cupic”, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Djordje Savic
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Mother and Child Health Care Institute of Serbia “Dr. Vukan Cupic”, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Maja Milickovic
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Mother and Child Health Care Institute of Serbia “Dr. Vukan Cupic”, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Ivana Kitic
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Mother and Child Health Care Institute of Serbia “Dr. Vukan Cupic”, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Tanja Mijovic
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Mother and Child Health Care Institute of Serbia “Dr. Vukan Cupic”, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Adrijan Sarajlija
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
- Pediatric Day Care Hospital Department, Mother and Child Health Care Institute of Serbia “Dr. Vukan Cupic”, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Eastern Sarajevo, Foča 73300, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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