[Perforated stress ulcer in a neonate: a case report]

The authors describe a case of duodenal perforated ulcer in a 3 day old, 4.080 Kg term female infant who was apparently well. Stress ulceration with duodenal or gastric perforation may be encountered in the first year of life, usually as a complication superimposed upon a serious illness for which the infant is receiving intensive therapy. The mortality of 40% in this patients, implies that effective preventive and therapeutic measures are not yet available and also emphasizes the serious nature of the underlying disorder.