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Neonatal colonic mucormycosis--a tropical perspective
Priya Alexander1, Anand Alladi, Marjorie Correa
1Department of Pathology, St. John's Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore, India. priyaalexander@yahoo.com
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
|December 17, 2004
Summary
Neonatal gastrointestinal mucormycosis is a rare and often fatal fungal infection. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, including surgery and antifungals, are crucial for survival in infants.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Neonatal Surgery
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neonatal gastrointestinal mucormycosis is a rare, opportunistic fungal infection.
- It is often fatal and challenging to diagnose preoperatively.
- This condition can present with severe gastrointestinal complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report three cases of neonatal gastrointestinal mucormycosis.
- To review the literature on this rare condition.
- To identify factors influencing survival.
Main Methods:
- Case series of three neonates with gastrointestinal mucormycosis.
- Histopathological diagnosis postoperatively.
- Literature review of similar cases.
Main Results:
- All three infants presented with colon necrosis and multiple perforations.
- Diagnoses included Hirschsprung's disease and small left colon syndrome initially.
- Two infants died despite or without antifungal treatment; one survived with clear surgical margins.
Conclusions:
- Early diagnosis and prompt, aggressive management are critical for survival.
- Surgical debridement and appropriate antifungal therapy are essential components of treatment.
- Successful outcomes depend on timely intervention and surgical resection.