Life-threatening lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage in pediatric Crohn's disease

Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr. 2013 Mar;16(1):53-60. doi: 10.5223/pghn.2013.16.1.53. Epub 2013 Mar 31.

Abstract

In Crohn's disease, mild gastrointestinal bleeding often occurs; however massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage, which can have a dramatic effect on a patient's vital sign, is rare. This could result in potentially life-threatening complications, which can lead to death. Massive hemorrhagic Crohn's disease is not well known and for this reason, they are a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Various diagnostic and therapeutic methods are currently being developed and used. The surgical method is often used only as a last measure since this approach has the risk of serious complications that may endanger patients. However, if massive bleeding continues even after all therapeutic methods are used, the surgical method must be implemented. In this case, all therapeutic methods were found to be ineffective; therefore, surgery was used as a last option. Ultimately, the surgical method was found to be successfully used to treat life-threatening hemorrhagic Crohn's disease.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage; General surgery; Pediatric Crohn's disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports