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[Neonatal ulcero-necrotizing enterocolitis and aspergillosis]
Pediatrie
|April 1, 1983
Summary
A rare case of Aspergillus Niger infection in a preterm infant led to necrotizing enterocolitis and perforation. Despite treatment, the infant succumbed to complications, highlighting the severity of invasive fungal infections in neonates.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal emergency in preterm infants.
- Invasive fungal infections, particularly aspergillosis, are rare but life-threatening in neonates.
Observation:
- A 33-week preterm infant with very low birth weight (1040 g) developed NEC with spontaneous perforation on day 3 of life.
- Cultures of peritoneal fluid and meconium identified Aspergillus Niger as the causative agent.
Findings:
- This case represents one of the few documented instances of Aspergillus Niger infection in the neonatal period.
- The infant experienced periventricular hemorrhage and died on day 10 of life.
- Necropsy ruled out secondary Aspergillus localization, suggesting primary gastrointestinal involvement.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical need for early diagnosis and management of invasive fungal infections in preterm neonates.
- Underscores the potential for Aspergillus species to cause severe NEC and systemic complications.
- Emphasizes the importance of thorough investigation and autopsy in neonatal deaths attributed to infection.