Abstract
Eleven neonates ranging in gestational age from 34 to 40 weeks presented with gastric necrosis. The 4 full-term neonates showed sudden-onset hemorrage and 'coffee-ground' vomiting; in the 7 premature babies the initial clinical finding was abdominal distention. The criteria for diagnosis were: perinatal distress in prematures and transient neonatal respiratory distress in full-term babies. Radiographic evidence of gastric distention was typical and preceded clinical signs of hematemesis and gastric perforation. Surgery was performed in 8 patients; 3 received medical treatment. At surgery 1 total and 3 subtotal gastrectomies and 4 segmental gastric resections were performed. Three of these patients died post-operatively as a consequence of multiorgan failure; a second look was necessary in one patient 1 week after surgery because of prepyloric perforation due to ulcers. Biopsy specimens taken from the site of perforation demonstrated extensive necrosis; ulceration was disseminated in the surrounding gastric mucosa; no signs of phlogosis were detected. The diagnosis, treatment, and physiopathologic considerations are reviewed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 346-349 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Pediatric Surgery International |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 5-6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jul 1998 |
Keywords
- Gastric infarction
- Gastric necrosis
- Neonatal gastric perforation
- Peptic ulcer disease in children
- Spontaneous gastric perforation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health