Lactobezoar in the low-birth-weight infant

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Pediatric Gastroenterology

Background:

• Lactobezoar is an uncommon complication of infant feeding.
• It can present in low-birth-weight infants, sometimes with severe outcomes like gastric perforation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of lactobezoars in low-birth-weight infants.
• To evaluate the efficacy of conservative treatment.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of seven low-birth-weight infants diagnosed with lactobezoars.
• Diagnostic confirmation using supine or cross-table lateral chest roentgenograms including the upper abdomen.
• Treatment involved a 24-hour withholding of feeding.

Main Results:

• Seven low-birth-weight infants developed lactobezoars.
• Abdominal distention and regurgitation were the most common symptoms.
• One infant experienced gastric perforation.
• All infants were fed specialized formulas for low-birth-weight infants.
• Diagnosis was confirmed via radiography.
• Withholding feeding for 24 hours led to symptom resolution.

Conclusions:

• Lactobezoars are a rare but significant complication in low-birth-weight infants fed specialized formulas.
• Radiography is effective for diagnosis.
• Conservative management (withholding feeding) is successful and prevents recurrence.