Rectal bleeding in the first month of life

Abstract

Sixty-nine infants were examined who presented with rectal bleeding in the first month of life. In 64% of these children no cause was found. Infantile diarrhoea, haemorrhagic disease of the newborn and anal fissure were the most common diagnoses made. The mortality in the entire group was <3%. It is concluded that rectal bleeding in this age group is a relatively benign condition and in certain cases hospital admission may not be required. © 1979 The Fellowship of Postgraduate Medicine.