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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
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A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
Published on: June 24, 2020
The acute abdomen in the newborn
Gustavo Rocha1, Carla Costa, J Correia-Pinto
1Serviços de Neonatologia e Cirurgia Pediátrica. Departamento de Pediatria. Hospital de São João. Porto.
Acta Medica Portuguesa
|December 1, 2009
Summary
Acute abdomen in newborns is a frequent condition requiring prompt diagnosis and management. Early recognition and antenatal diagnosis are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing surgical complications.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Surgery
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Neonatal Intensive Care
Background:
- Acute abdomen in newborns presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for clinicians.
- Awareness of diverse etiologies is essential for effective management.
- This condition requires a multidisciplinary approach involving various medical specialties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of acute abdomen in neonates.
- To identify the primary causes, diagnostic methods, and clinical outcomes.
- To evaluate the role of antenatal diagnosis in neonatal acute abdomen.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review conducted at a tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit.
- Data collected over a 10-year period (1997-2006).
- Analysis of incidence, etiologies, antenatal diagnosis rates, and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- Acute abdomen occurred in 4.9% of 4743 newborns.
- Abdominal distension (39.5%) and peritonitis (33.9%) were the most common causes.
- Surgical intervention was required in 67.8% of cases, with a mortality rate of 16.7%; antenatal diagnosis was achieved in 50% of cases.
Conclusions:
- While some causes of neonatal acute abdomen are evident, rare conditions pose diagnostic and treatment complexities.
- Antenatal diagnosis, prompt recognition, and timely surgical referral are vital.
- Early intervention can prevent bowel damage and improve long-term outcomes in affected newborns.
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