Diagnostic upper GI endoscopy for hemetemesis in children: experience from a pediatric gastroenterology centre in north India.

Upper GI endoscopies were done in 236 children (upto 12 years of age) presenting with history of hemetemesis. Varices were the commonest lesions (in 39.41%) followed by esophagitis (23.73%). Gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer and oesophageal ulcers were identified in 7.20%, 1.27%, 0.42% and 0.42% cases respectively. Cause of bleeding could not be ascertained in 27.54% cases. No significant premedication or procedure related complications were observed. Upper GI endoscopy is thus a safe and useful mode of investigation in cases of hemetemesis in children.