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Choledocholithiasis in an infant of extremely low birthweight
1Division of Neonatology, Gunma Children's Medical Center, Hokkitsu, Japan. maruken@gcmc.pref.gumma.jp
Insights
A case report details a premature infant with gallbladder stones (choledocholithiasis). Conservative treatment successfully resolved the condition, highlighting a potential management approach for neonates.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Choledocholithiasis, or gallstones in the common bile duct, is rare in infants, especially those of extremely low birthweight.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial for preventing complications in neonates.
Observation:
- A five-month-old infant, born at 26 weeks gestation weighing 834g, presented with vomiting.
- Ultrasonography revealed gallbladder stones and a dilated common bile duct in the infant.
Findings:
- The infant received conservative treatment including scopolamine, antibiotics, and dehydrocholic and ursodeoxycholic acids.
- Gallstones were no longer detected by ultrasonography by 189 days of age.
Implications:
- Conservative management may be effective for choledocholithiasis in extremely low birthweight infants.
- Further research is needed to establish optimal treatment protocols for this rare condition in neonates.
Abstract:
A five-month-old infant of extremely low birthweight with choledocholithiasis is reported. A baby girl was delivered at 26 weeks gestation as a second twin, weighing 834 g. At 30 days of age, gallbladder stones were found by routine ultrasonography. She had vomiting at 157 days of age. Ultrasonography revealed calculi in the gallbladder and a dilated common bile duct. She was conservatively treated with scopolamine, antibiotics and dehydrocholic and ursodeoxycholic acids, and the calculi had disappeared by 189 days of age. Although conservative treatment succeeded in this patient, further cases should be analysed to establish how to manage choledocholithiasis in such small infants.