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[Severe rumination in infants]
1Centre de Pédiatrie-Edmond-Lesné, Service du Pr. G. Lasfargues, Hôpital Trousseau, Paris.
Archives Francaises De Pediatrie
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Rumination, a rare condition causing vomiting and growth issues in infants, is linked to emotional deficiencies. Early intervention with nutritional support and nurturing care can lead to significant weight gain.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Psychology
Context:
- Rumination (merycism) is a rare, potentially life-threatening condition in infants.
- Characterized by vomiting and significant growth retardation (-2 to -4 SD).
- Often misdiagnosed as mothers may notice vomiting but not the rumination behavior.
Purpose:
- To describe the clinical presentation and outcomes of rumination in infants.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and effective treatment strategies.
- To explore the underlying psychological factors contributing to rumination.
Summary:
- Six male infants (5-14 months) hospitalized for growth retardation and vomiting were diagnosed with rumination via clinical observation.
- Treatment involved nutritional rehabilitation and intensive nursing care (mothering), leading to weight gain (1-2.3 kg in 15-90 days).
- Rumination is theorized as a depressive, autoerotic reaction stemming from infant-mother affective deficiency.
Impact:
- Demonstrates the effectiveness of nutritional and psychosocial interventions in managing infant rumination.
- Emphasizes the importance of clinical observation for diagnosing this rare condition.
- Suggests persistent psychological issues may require ongoing support post-treatment.