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.

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.

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.

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.