Gastrointestinal bleeding with influenza virus

Abstract

Seven children who presented during the influenza A(H1N1) epidemic of 1988 are described. After a typical influenzal illness, they developed haematemesis of varying severity. Endoscopy revealed haemorrhagic gastritis. Laboratory evidence of influenza A(H1N1) virus infection was present. Two children died as a result of their illness. The association of virus and gastrointestinal haemorrhage is explored.