Cholelithiasis during the first year of life: case reports and literature review

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Neonatal Medicine

Background:

• Gallstones (cholelithiasis) are uncommon in infants.
• Conventional risk factors for gallstone formation are often absent in neonates.

Observation:

• Five infants under seven months old were diagnosed with gallstones using ultrasound.
• Four of these infants presented with symptomatic gallstones.
• One infant developed vitamin K deficiency syndrome with significant bleeding.

Findings:

• The incidence of gallstone formation in early infancy may be underestimated.
• Absence of typical risk factors in most cases suggests unique etiological pathways.
• Hemolytic anemia was noted in one infant.

Implications:

• Early ultrasound screening for gallstones in infants may be warranted.
• Further research is needed to understand the causes of infantile gallstones.
• Potential for serious complications like vitamin K deficiency syndrome necessitates awareness.