Rectal bleeding in neonates is an alarming sign that suggests a possible serious underlying condition, such as infection or bleeding disorder that would necessitate hospitalization and prompt intervention. We report a case of eosinophilic gastroenteritis caused by cow's milk protein allergy in a one-day- old infant, who presented with frankly bloody stools associated with massive gastrointestinal and peripheral blood eosinophilia prior to initiation of enteral feedings. The patient's outcome was favorable, with complete spontaneous recovery in one week, after a period of bowel rest, parenteral nutrition, and use of amino acid formula. The eosinophilia was also transient and gradually resolving by two months of age. Rectal bleeding secondary to allergic colitis caused by cow's milk sensitization may occur in neonates, and failure to appreciate this possibility may lead to inappropriate diagnostic or therapeutic intervention.
Adrenal hemorrhage (AH) is a relatively uncommon condition in newborns. It may be asymptomatic or may present with flank abdominal mass, anemia, jaundice, or rarely as scrotal bruising or hematoma. We report two cases of AH in neonates; the first presented with scrotal hematoma and the second with adrenal mass associated with hypertension and oliguria, primarily secondary to coincidental renal vein thrombosis. Diagnosis was confirmed by abdominal ultrasound. Patients were managed conservatively with clinical observation and by following hemoglobin and bilirubin levels closely. Both infants were discharged without surgical intervention after several days in the hospital. Clinicians should consider AH when a newborn presents with scrotal bruising or hematoma, unexplained anemia, unexplained jaundice, or flank abdominal mass. Timely ultrasonographic evaluation of both adrenal glands and testes in neonates with scrotal hematoma may spare infants from unnecessary surgical intervention because scrotal hematoma often raises the suspicion of testicular torsion.
Neonates with a gestational age of ≥30 weeks who had an SCr level of ≥1 mg/dL within the first 12-24 hours of life were more likely to have an elevated gentamicin trough level than their counterparts with normal SCr levels.
Pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade secondary to umbilical venous catheterization are rare complications but potentially fatal. This article reports a case of cardiac tamponade and right pleural effusion secondary to transudation of hyperosmolar fluid from an appropriately placed umbilical venous catheter. The infant survived as a result of early diagnosis by echocardiography and urgent chest tube placement that drained both pleural and pericardial effusions. Cardiac tamponade should be highly suspected in any neonate with a central venous catheter who develops sudden, unexplained clinical deterioration in cardiopulmonary status even when the line is properly placed, and urgent echocardiography or pericardiocentesis should be considered early in management of such patients. Umbilical venous catheterization should be considered only for a select group of sick neonates due to risks involved with these lines. When an umbilical venous catheter is placed, special precautions should be taken and maintenance guidelines followed.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.