CLINICAL SPECTRUM, ETIOLOGIC PROFILE, AND MANAGEMENT OUTCOMES OF PEDIATRIC UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING: EXPERIENCE FROM A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN SOUTH INDIA

Background And Aim: Pediatric upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding is a medical emergency with differing etiologic patterns compared to adults. This study aimed to describe the clinical spectrum, etiologic prole, and management outcomes of pediatric UGI bleeding at a tertiary-care centre in South India. We Methods: conducted a prospective observational study between January 2023 and June 2024 including 90 children (0–18 years) presenting with hematemesis and/or melena. Clinical and laboratory evaluation, abdominal ultrasonography, and endoscopy were performed as indicated. Therapeutic endoscopy (primarily EVL) and standard supportive care (blood transfusion, PPIs, vasoactive agents when required) were applied. Data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS (version 25). Mean age Results: was 10.8 ± 3.6 years; 63% were male. Esophageal varices were the predominant cause (49/90; 54.4%), followed by erosive gastritis (14/90; 15.5%), Mallory–Weiss tear (12/90; 13.3%), and peptic ulcer disease (9/90; 10%). Endoscopic therapy was performed in 38 (42.2%) children; 52 (57.8%) received medical management alone. Rebleeding occurred in 6 (6.7%) variceal cases, successfully managed with repeat endoscopic intervention. There were no deaths. Esophageal v Conclusions: arices remain the leading cause of pediatric UGI bleeding in our setting. Early endoscopic evaluation and timely therapeutic intervention are associated with favorable short-term outcomes. These ndings support strengthening pediatric endoscopy services and early referral pathways.