Neonatal ascites in Benin, Nigeria

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Neonatology
• Urology

Background:

• Neonatal ascites is a rare but serious condition in newborns.
• Identifying the underlying cause is critical for management and prognosis.

Observation:

• This study presents seven cases of neonatal ascites.
• The most frequent etiology identified was obstructive uropathy due to posterior urethral valves, observed in four infants.
• Other causes included septicemia (two cases) and meconium peritonitis (one case).

Findings:

• Radiological evaluation was instrumental in diagnosing the anatomical abnormalities.
• All presented cases of neonatal ascites resulted in a mortality rate of 100%.

Implications:

• The high mortality underscores the severity of neonatal ascites.
• Prompt and accurate radiological diagnosis of obstructive uropathy and other causes is essential.
• Further research into preventative or therapeutic strategies for neonatal ascites is urgently needed.