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Intussusception in a 7-week-old baby
Pauline Adiotomre1, Edna Asumang, Prasad Godbole
1Family Services Department, Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby, UK.
Insights
A 7-week-old infant experienced vomiting and lethargy, leading to the diagnosis of intussusception. Prompt surgical intervention successfully reduced the condition, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis in pediatric emergencies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pediatrics
Background:
- Intussusception is a common cause of intestinal obstruction in infants.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent complications.
Observation:
- A 7-week-old infant presented with pallor, lethargy, vomiting, and a high-pitched cry.
- Physical examination revealed a palpable epigastric mass and rectal bleeding.
- Initial investigations for sepsis were unremarkable, but abdominal X-ray suggested obstruction.
Findings:
- Ultrasound confirmed intussusception as the cause of intestinal obstruction.
- The intussusception was successfully reduced surgically.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering intussusception in infants presenting with non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Prompt diagnostic imaging and surgical intervention are vital for favorable outcomes in pediatric intussusception.
Abstract:
A 7-week-old baby presented to a district general hospital with a history of pallor, lethargy, vomiting and high pitched cry. She had vomited three times at home. It was reported that the last vomitus had a greenish tinge to it. In hospital, she had a non-bilious vomit. There was no history of fever, constipation or diarrhoea. Her birth history and medical history were unremarkable. She was noted to be pale, lethargic and quiet on examination. Her vital signs were unremarkable. She had a soft scaphoid abdomen on examination. No masses were palpable. Investigations for sepsis were done and antibiotics started. Results of all the investigations were normal apart from mildly raised blood glucose and neutrophilia. Later on she passed a small amount of blood per rectum. Examination revealed a palpable mass in the epigastrium. An abdominal x-ray was suggestive of intestinal obstruction. Intussusception was confirmed on ultrasound. The intussusception was successfully reduced following surgery.
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