Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
11:27
A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
Published on: April 7, 2023
Adrenal hemorrhage in a newborn
Arebu T Abdu1, Vesna M Kriss, Henrietta S Bada
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Kentucky Children's Hospital, Lexington, KY 40536, USA. abadtu2@uky.edu
American Journal of Perinatology
|May 20, 2009
Summary
Neonatal adrenal hemorrhage can mimic surgical emergencies. Conservative management is often appropriate for neonates presenting with shock, metabolic acidosis, and abdominal distention, avoiding unnecessary surgical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pediatric Endocrinology
Background:
- Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) sometimes face pressure for rapid intervention.
- Neonatal adrenal hemorrhage is a condition where conservative management may be overlooked.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for neonates with critical conditions.
Observation:
- A term neonate presented with shock, metabolic acidosis, abdominal distention, and falling hematocrit.
- Initial abdominal ultrasound revealed a mass, with CT scan confirming right adrenal hemorrhage.
- The neonate had a normal serum cortisol level.
Findings:
- The patient was successfully managed conservatively without surgical intervention.
- The neonate was discharged after a one-week hospital stay.
- Follow-up ultrasound showed resolving adrenal hemorrhage with minimal calcification.
Implications:
- Adrenal hemorrhage should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neonates with shock, acidosis, abdominal distention, and falling hematocrit.
- Conservative management is typically indicated for neonatal adrenal hemorrhage.
- This case highlights the importance of careful evaluation to avoid unnecessary surgical procedures in neonates.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
01:30Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Adrenergic agonists have diverse therapeutic uses across various medical conditions and emergencies.
Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α2-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.
Allergies and anaphylaxis:...
Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α2-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.
Allergies and anaphylaxis:...
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
01:33Hormonal Regulation
The renin-aldosterone system is an endocrine system which guides the renal absorption of water and electrolytes, thus managing blood pressure and osmoregulation. Activation of the system begins in the kidneys with a small cluster of cells adjacent to the afferent and efferent blood vessels of the renal corpuscle. As the nephrons are filtering blood, juxtaglomerular cells monitor blood pressure. If they detect a decrease in pressure, they release the hormone renin into the bloodstream.
01:17Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands
The adrenal or supra-renal glands, situated above the kidneys and aligned with the twelfth rib, are paired pyramid-shaped structures crucial for the body's stress response. During stress, these glands secrete hormones vital for adaptive physiological reactions.
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct regions...
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct regions...