What other disorders should I consider?
Any disorder that leads to mucosal ischaemia can cause bloody diarrhoea.
Intestinal infarction—a surgical emergency
Bloody diarrhoea can indicate a major surgical emergency. Intussusception occurs most often but not exclusively in the first year of life. The classic presentation is with episodic abdominal pain, vomiting, and the passage of blood and mucous. In some cases bloody diarrhoea is reported.16 In infants and children with congenital gut malrotation, midgut volvulus may result in extensive intestinal gangrene. This catastrophic event typically presents with symptoms of obstruction including bilious vomiting. Again, however, bloody diarrhoea may be reported.17
Additional educational resources
Resources for healthcare professionals
Health Protection Agency, Centre for Infections ([Ссылки доступны только зарегистрированным пользователям ] up to date surveillance information on the epidemiology of gastrointestinal infections in the UK
Resources for parents
National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s disease ([Ссылки доступны только зарегистрированным пользователям ] support and information for patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s in Childhood Research Association ([Ссылки доступны только зарегистрированным пользователям ] support for patients with inflammatory bowel disease, particularly children and young adults, and raises funds to support medical research into the disease
Henoch-Schönlein purpura
Henoch-Schönlein purpura is a common form of idiopathic systemic vasculitis in children. It is associated with a characteristic rash (easily overlooked), abdominal pain, arthralgia, and overt or microscopic haematuria.18 Overt gastrointestinal bleeding occurs in 25% of patients and bloody diarrhoea is sometimes seen.19
Is it really bloody diarrhoea?
|