Emergency Department, ICU and Inpatient Clinical Pathway for the
Evaluation/Treatment of Children with Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Bleed

Signs, Symptoms Concerning
for Hemorrhagic Shock
  • Tachycardia
  • Altered Mental Status
    • Anxiety, lethargy, obtundation
  • Hypotension, Perfusion Abnormality
    • Delayed capillary refill
    • Decreased pulses
  • Skin
    • Pallor
  • Assess need for further evaluation
    • Historical concern for significant bleeding
    • At risk population
    • Abnormal VS
    • Signs or symptoms of anemia
No Concern for Hemorrhagic Shock
Hemorrhagic Shock
Minimal Bleeding
Benign Cause Likely
  • Observe, PO challenge
  • No labs
  • Reassuring VS, physical exam
  • PCP follow-up
Concern for Significant Blood Loss
Evaluation
Treatment
Reassessment
Disposition Review w/ GI indications for admission vs. discharge with follow-up
Active Bleeding
Evaluation
Treatment
Reassessment
Disposition
  • PICU
  • Review with GI, PICU
  • Discharge
    • VSS, well appearing, tolerating PO
    • No ongoing bleeding
    • Workup reassuring
    • Consider outpatient medications, follow-up plan
Inpatient Management

Admit to Gen Peds or subspecialty team

Continue to evaluate for hemorrhagic shock
ICU Management
Control Source
Erythromycin
Endoscopy w/ in
24 hrs GI, Surgery
Evidence
Educational Media
CHOP Programs