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Gallstones in newborns are rare, often found after complications. This study identified calcified gallstones in two premature infants, with one also having portal vein thrombosis.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Radiology
Background:
- Cholelithiasis (gallstones) is uncommon in neonates, frequently diagnosed late due to biliary tree complications.
- Early detection of neonatal gallstones is crucial for timely intervention and management.
Observation:
- Two premature infants presented with radiographically evident calcified gallstones.
- One infant also exhibited portal vein thrombosis, a serious vascular complication.
Findings:
- Calcified gallstones were identified in premature infants via abdominal radiography.
- Risk factors such as total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and furosemide were noted in one case, potentially linked to gallstone formation.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering cholelithiasis in premature infants, even without overt symptoms.
- Suggests a potential association between TPN, furosemide, and gallstone development in this vulnerable population.
- Underscores the role of abdominal imaging in diagnosing neonatal gallstones and associated conditions.
Abstract:
Cholelithiasis is very rare in the newborn infant and is usually not recognized until surgery or autopsy following perforation of the biliary tree. Two premature infants had calcified gallstones on abdominal radiographs. In one patient portal vein thrombosis was also present. The other had been treated with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and furosemide which have recently been implicated in the development of gallstones in premature infants.