ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics, endoscopic findings and risk factors related to the upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) seen in full-term infants. METHODS: A clinical analysis for 9 cases with UGIB confirmed by endoscopy was carried out retrospectively. Patients were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Eulji Hospital, from January to December 2003. RESULTS: UGIB from gastric or duodenal mucosal lesions has been seen in 0.13% in newborns infants. All patients were full-term AGA neonates without asphyxic findings at birth. Hematemesis, melena or recurrent vomiting developed within 4.4+/-3.8 days after birth. Vital sign and laboratory test was normal on admission. Endoscopic findings showed hemorrhagic gastritis in 6 cases and peptic ulcers in 3 cases. All patients were successfully managed by medical treatment for 18.6+/-5.0 days. On treatment, clinical symptoms improved within 0.9+/-0.3 days. Follow-up endoscopy was not performed because there was no recurrence of symptoms in all patients. Case mothers had no history of gastritis, ulcer or anti-ulcer medications before and during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: If the healthy full-term infants express UGIB within a few days after birth, it is necessary to take careful history of family, mother and delivery process and to practice endoscopy for mucosal lesions of the patients. A follow-up endoscopy dose not seem to be necessary if the infant is clinically well.