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Milk Collection in the Rat Using Capillary Tubes and Estimation of Milk Fat Content by Creamatocrit
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Milk Curd Obstruction in Human Milk-Fed Preterm Infants
Ann Carolin Longardt1, Andrea Loui2, Christoph Bührer2
1Department of Neonatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany, ann-carolin.longardt@charite.de.
Neonatology
|January 16, 2019
Summary
Milk curd obstruction, a rare cause of intestinal obstruction, is re-emerging in premature infants. Early diagnosis in high-risk neonates, particularly males and those small for gestational age, is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Milk curd obstruction (lactobezoar) is a known but historically rare cause of intestinal obstruction.
- This condition has seen a resurgence in recent years, particularly among premature infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics of milk curd obstruction in preterm infants.
- To identify risk factors and diagnostic markers for lactobezoars in neonates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical data from preterm infants diagnosed with milk curd obstruction between 2012 and 2016.
- Review of medical records, including birth weight, gestational age, feeding protocols, and diagnostic imaging.
Main Results:
- Ten preterm infants (median birth weight 595g, gestational age 24.4 weeks) were identified.
- All infants received fortified human milk; 50% were small for gestational age.
- Abdominal ultrasound revealed hyperechoic masses, and pale/acholic feces were noted; 7 infants required surgery, and 2 died.
Conclusions:
- Milk curd obstruction predominantly affects infants under 1000g birth weight and 28 weeks' gestational age.
- Male sex and being small for gestational age are identified as increased risk factors.
- Monitoring fecal characteristics in at-risk infants can aid early diagnosis.
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