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Jejunal blind loop 10 years after neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis.
C Houben1, S Phelan, Mark Davenport
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK.
Pediatric Surgery International
|June 1, 2005
Summary
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) can cause long-term gastrointestinal problems in children, even after recovery. A jejunojejunal fistula, a rare complication, highlights these potential delayed effects.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Neonatal Surgery
- Clinical Case Study
Background:
- Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious condition affecting premature infants.
- While many infants recover fully, long-term complications are possible.
- Early diagnosis and management of NEC are crucial.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old girl presented with symptoms of bowel obstruction.
- Imaging revealed a jejunojejunal fistula forming a blind loop.
- The fistula was a sequela of prior NEC in infancy.
Findings:
- Jejunojejunal fistula formation is a rare but significant long-term complication of NEC.
- Abdominal distension and vomiting can be presenting symptoms of such fistulas.
- Delayed diagnosis of NEC-related sequelae can lead to significant morbidity.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of potential long-term gastrointestinal issues following NEC is needed.
- Pediatricians and surgeons should consider NEC sequelae in children with unexplained GI symptoms.
- Further research into the long-term outcomes of NEC survivors is warranted.