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[Clinical features and etiology of abdominal distension in children]

Xi-Xi Zhao1, Guo-Qiang Zhang, Zhong-Yue Li

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University/National Clinical Medical Research Center of Children's Health and Diseases/Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders/China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders/Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, China. lizhongyue1001@hotmail.com.

Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics
|October 24, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Abdominal distension in children is commonly associated with vomiting. Necrotizing enterocolitis causes distension in neonates, while intestinal obstruction is the primary cause in older children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Abdominal distension is a common presenting symptom in pediatric patients.
  • Understanding the age-specific clinical features and etiologies is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical characteristics and underlying causes of abdominal distension across different pediatric age groups.
  • To identify age-related patterns in symptoms, signs, and diagnostic findings associated with abdominal distension.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of 1,561 pediatric patients admitted for abdominal distension between January 2013 and October 2016.
  • Data collected included clinical manifestations, radiological findings, histopathological results, and final diagnoses.

Main Results:

  • Necrotizing enterocolitis was the leading cause in neonates (34.4%), whereas intestinal obstruction predominated in infants and older children (36.8%–62.3%).
  • Vomiting was a frequent symptom across all age groups. Hypoactive bowel sounds were noted in neonates and infants, while abdominal tenderness was more common in children over one year old.
  • Radiographic findings included intestinal inflation in neonates and air-fluid levels in other age groups. Histopathology revealed developmental issues in neonates and inflammation/necrosis in infants.

Conclusions:

  • Abdominal distension in children presents with distinct age-specific features and etiologies.
  • Prompt recognition of symptoms like vomiting and signs such as abdominal tenderness, alongside appropriate imaging and pathology, is key for effective pediatric care.
Abstract

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