Gastrointestinal perforation in infants: cases unrelated to necrotizing enterocolitis.
Journal
Zhonghua Minguo xiao er ke yi xue hui za zhi [Journal]. Zhonghua Minguo xiao er ke yi xue hui
Journal Volume
34
Journal Issue
6
Pages
429-435
Date Issued
1993
Author(s)
Abstract
From January 1984 to March 1992, there were 19 infants admitted to our hospital with gastrointestinal perforation not associated with necrotizing enterocolitis. Seven patients (37%) were premature. Six patients (32%) had their perforations located in the stomach, 9 (47%) in the small intestine, and 3 (16%) in the colon. The most common clinical presentation was abdominal distention (95%). Pneumoperitoneum was noted only in 12 (63%) patients. About 60% of the patients had the perforation occur before 4 days of age. The predominant cause of perforation was unknown, so called spontaneous perforation (8/19, 42%), followed by ischemia or infarction (5/19, 26%). The overall mortality rate was 32%. The non-survivors had more severe metabolic acidosis than the survivors, but there were no differences in the birthweight and gestational ages of these two groups. Sepsis accounted for 83% of the deaths. Early diagnosis and treatment are the best ways to promote survival.
SDGs
Other Subjects
article; female; human; infant; intestine perforation; male; newborn; pseudomembranous colitis; stomach disease; Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Intestinal Perforation; Male; Stomach Diseases
Type
journal article