[Approach in First Aid to children with gastrointestinal hemorrhage]. / Approccio in Pronto Soccorso al bambino con emorragia gastroenterica.

Gastrointestinal bleeding may present with haematemesis, fresh rectal bleeding, melaena, abdominal pain, syncope and shock. Most patients require observation and no treatment. The majority of those requiring treatment stop bleeding spontaneously and the management is supportive. More aggressive investigation and treatment are required for persistent massive bleeding. Large bleeds require rapid volume replacement using saline or plasma, with blood transfusion as urgently as possible.