Gastrointestinal bleeding in infancy and childhood.

In summary, the causes of GI bleeding in infancy and childhood are varied, ranging from congenital and hereditary disorders to those more commonly seen in the adult population. Many causes of GI bleeding in the pediatric population are restricted to a narrow range regarding age of onset, frequently enabling the physician to narrow the differential diagnosis before proceeding with invasive investigation; however, GI bleeding may involve any portion of the intestinal tract, from mouth to anus, as in adulthood, and many causes common to the adult population also must be considered.