Fluid balance in late preterm infants with prenatal gastrointestinal pathology -a report of two cases-

Abstract

Intestinal obstruction was diagnosed in two fetuses at maternal antenatal care. Both received emergency surgery on the day of their birth, at about 35 weeks gestational age. The disease progressed for a long time in both cases because prompt diagnosis and surgery are difficult to perform in utero. As a result, severe adhesion and distorted anatomy were observed in both cases. Massive third space losses and bleeding were predicted during the surgery. However, the accurate ongoing losses were difficult to anticipate. The assessment of fluid deficits cannot be based on measured losses alone, but hemodynamic status including blood pressure, heart rate, urine output, capillary refill, and/or central venous pressure should be evaluated additionally.