EC Paediatrics

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding includes blood loss within the GI system, proximal to the ligament of Treitz, which includes the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. GI bleeding can occur due to multiple causes and can be a presenting symptom for paediatrics patients. Patients may present with specific symptoms of haematemesis (vomiting blood), melaena (tarry, black stools), and coffee-ground type vomitus. Patients may also have associated systemic symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, light-headedness, and dizziness. Common causes of upper GI bleeding include gastric and duodenal ulcers, esophagitis, gastritis, bleeding disorders, coagulopathies, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Management is often a multifactorial approach, including fluid resuscitation, blood transfusion, endoscopy, drug intervention, and/or surgical intervention. If there is a large amount of blood loss, emergency resuscitation and stabilization of the patient may be necessary. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced haematemesis is a notable cause of upper GI bleeding in paediatrics patients. In our case, we have observed a severe case of upper GI bleeding, likely associated with NSAID administration.

 Keywords: Low Dose; Ibuprofen; Gastrointestinal Bleeding; Paediatrics

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