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Escherichia coli--infected cephalohematoma in an infant

Katherine J Weiss1, Morven S Edwards, Liliane M Hay

  • 1Section of Pediatric Residency Program, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.

Clinical Pediatrics
|May 8, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Infected cephalohematoma in infants with bacteremia can signal a serious focal infection. Prompt incision and drainage are crucial for resolving this rare but dangerous complication.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Cephalohematoma is a common neonatal subperiosteal hemorrhage.
  • Bacteremia and meningitis pose significant risks to neonates.
  • Hematogenous seeding can lead to focal infections.

Observation:

  • A 1-month-old infant presented with bacteremia and meningitis.
  • The infant also had a cephalohematoma with overlying inflammation.
  • The cephalohematoma was identified as infected due to hematogenous spread.

Findings:

  • The infected cephalohematoma was a focal site of infection secondary to bacteremia.
  • Inflammation overlying a cephalohematoma in a bacteremic infant indicates a localized infection.
  • Successful treatment required incision and drainage of the infected cephalohematoma.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider infected cephalohematoma in infants with bacteremia and focal signs.
  • Early recognition and surgical intervention are vital for favorable outcomes.
  • This case highlights a rare but critical complication of neonatal bacteremia.

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