The medical management of enteritis necroticans (pigbel)

Pigbel is the commonest cause of death in children over 12 months of age at Goroka Hospital. The clinical features are described. The medical management of pigbel includes intravenous fluids, nasogastric suction, penicillin and chloramphenicol. The development of dehydration, anaemia, hyponatraemia, hypokalaemia and hypoalbuminaemia must be prevented. In severe pigbel prolonged starvation may result in malnutrition that impairs wound healing and increases mortality. Intravenous feeding is therefore desirable in some cases.