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[Peritonitis in the neonatal period].
C Simão1, M Gonçalves, O Guerreiro
1Serviço de Pediatria, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisboa.
Acta Medica Portuguesa
|April 8, 1999
Summary
A premature infant developed pneumoperitoneum and Meckel's diverticulum perforation. Perinatal asphyxia and indomethacin treatment were likely contributing factors in this rare neonatal complication.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Surgical Neonatology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Background:
- A 32-week-old premature infant required mechanical ventilation from birth.
- The neonate received indomethacin for patent ductus arteriosus on day two of life.
Observation:
- Pneumoperitoneum was diagnosed on day seven of life.
- Emergency surgery revealed a perforated Meckel's diverticulum.
Findings:
- The patient presented with a rare complication of Meckel's diverticulum perforation.
- The perforation occurred in the context of prematurity, mechanical ventilation, and indomethacin treatment.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential association between indomethacin, perinatal asphyxia, and gastrointestinal complications in neonates.
- Early surgical intervention is critical for managing neonatal gastrointestinal emergencies like perforated Meckel's diverticulum.