Lower gastrointestinal bleeding in children.
Lower gastrointestinal bleeding is a common problem in the practice of general pediatrics. The differential diagnosis can be extensive and varies according to the age of the child. A specific diagnosis can usually be made with a thorough history, physical examination, simple laboratory investigations, and appropriate diagnostic studies. Treatment should be directed at the underlying cause. In most children, bleeding ceases spontaneously, and only supportive therapy is necessary. If there is evidence of hypovolemia, the patient must be hemodynamically stabilized, active bleeding stopped, and recurrent bleeding prevented.
University of Calgary, Alberta Children's Hospital, 1820 Richmond Road SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2T 5C7. aleung@ucalgary.ca
Alexander  K C
A
Leung
Andrew L
AL
Wong
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant