The causes of gastrointestinal hemorrhage in children were detailed in
1964 by Spencer. We investigated the causes of gastrointestinal hemor
rhage in 165 children seen at our institution over a 13-year period. T
he most common causes of gastrointestinal hemorrhage in the hospitaliz
ed patients were necrotizing enterocolitis (44%), anal fissures (23%),
and guaiac-positive stools of unknown cause (16%). The mortality rate
was 5.4%. Necrotizing enterocolitis was the most common cause of deat
h. Only 16 patients required surgery. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage is a
n infrequent cause of mortality and morbidity in hospitalized pediatri
c patients.