Rectal bleeding in the first month of life.

Sixty-nine infants were examined who presented with rectal bleeding in the first month of life. In 64% of these children no cause was found. Infantile diarrhoea, haemorrhagic disease of the newborn and anal fissure were the most common diagnoses made. The mortality in the entire group was less than 3%. It is concluded that rectal bleeding in this age group is a relatively benign condition and in certain cases hospital admission may not be required.