摘要:Background
Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and especially upper GIB in children under 18 years, is
underestimated compared to the adult population. Although mortality rate in this group of patients is
reported to be about 2 percent, the role of early endoscopy in diagnosis and treatment of underlying
causes and prevention of recurrence is essential. We aimed to evaluate endoscopic findings in children
with hematemesis and assess the relationships between these findings and demographic/clinical
variables.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we have studied the medical records of 102
patients from November 2017 to November 2018, under 18 years who referred to Children’s Medical
Center with hematemesis and had undergone the endoscopic procedure. The demographic
information, past medical history, history of using NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory
Drugs), accompanying symptoms, laboratory records, and endoscopic findings were investigated.
Results: Participants are mostly between 6-11 years old (52.9%, n=54). The most common
accompanying symptom is non-bleeding vomiting (52%, n=51). Patients with a history of using
NSAIDs had a significantly higher rate of gastric ulcers (P-value<0.05). Moreover, the patients with a
positive history of vomiting had a higher duodenal ulcer rate (P-value<0.05). Hb levels are
significantly lower in patients with esophagitis (P-value<0.05). Also, patients with antrum nodularity
were significantly older (P-value<0.05).
Conclusion
Prolapse gastropathy and gastric ulcers are the most common finding in endoscopy of children <18
years old with hematemesis. Also, the recent use of NSAIDs is the cause of gastric ulcers, and
vomiting is related to duodenal ulcers. It is necessary to control recurrent vomiting and to limit the use
of NSAIDs in children to prevent GI bleeding.