An Extraordinary Cause of the Sucking Difficulty: Ecthyma Gangrenosum

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology

Background:

• Ecthyma gangrenosum is a skin condition often linked to Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia.
• While typically affecting immunocompromised individuals and occurring in hospital settings, it can arise without bacteremia and from other pathogens.
• Lesions commonly appear on extremities, gluteal, and perineal areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of ecthyma gangrenosum in a premature newborn.
• To describe the association with Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis.
• To illustrate the functional consequences of the lesions, specifically sucking dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Case report presentation.
• Clinical observation of a premature neonate.
• Review of literature regarding ecthyma gangrenosum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis in neonates.

Main Results:

• The premature newborn developed ecthyma gangrenosum secondary to Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis.
• The lesions resulted in significant tissue loss affecting the lip, soft palate, and tongue.
• This tissue loss led to impaired sucking ability, impacting feeding.

Conclusions:

• Ecthyma gangrenosum is a serious manifestation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis in neonates, even premature infants.
• The condition can lead to severe local tissue damage with functional deficits, such as feeding difficulties.
• Early recognition and management are crucial for improving outcomes in affected neonates.