Invasive traditional practices which are frequently harmful are common in the care of children including neonates in developing countries. We report two cases of evisceration of intra-abdominal viscera in two neonates subjected to abdominal scarification with razor blades following febrile illnesses. The greater omentum and a loop of jejunum, respectively, were eviscerated. Both were successfully managed and discharged home. Consent was obtained from the parents for the use of the photos. These cases highlight the dangers of invasive traditional practices on neonates and the urgent need for enlightenment campaigns as well as enactment of policies to help protect these children in developing countries.
Neutropaenic enterocolitis (NE) is a life-threatening condition characterised by an inflammation of the colon and/or the small bowel in the background of chemotherapy-induced neutropaenia. A 16-year-old girl with acute myeloblastic leukaemia (AML) developed fever, right-sided abdominal pain and tenderness with severe neutropaenia. Initial ultrasound findings suggested acute appendicitis for which she had surgery. She developed recurrent symptoms 3 weeks later. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed features of NE, but she succumbed to the illness. Another 17-year-old boy with AML developed fever and severe right-sided lower abdominal pain and tenderness, following completion of induction chemotherapy. He was neutropaenic and abdominal CT was typical of NE. He was managed nonoperatively and symptoms resolved. The diagnosis of NE can be a dilemma. A high index of suspicion is needed to avoid a misdiagnosis of acute appendicitis.
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