Rumination: the eating disorder of infancy
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K Franco1, N Campbell, M Tamburrino
1Department of Psychiatry, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195.
Insights
Infant rumination syndrome, a rare and dangerous condition, requires prompt recognition and treatment. Environmental adjustments and improved maternal care are key to successful recovery and infant weight gain.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infant Health and Development
Background:
- Rumination syndrome is a rare but potentially fatal infant disorder.
- Historical and current treatment approaches are reviewed.
Observation:
- Two infant cases are presented: a six-month-old misdiagnosed, and a complex neonatology intensive care unit case.
- Delayed recognition of rumination syndrome can lead to severe complications, including the need for surgery.
Findings:
- Environmental modifications are crucial for treating infant rumination.
- Enhanced maternal care significantly aids in the correction of rumination.
- Successful intervention leads to appropriate infant weight gain.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and intervention are vital for preventing severe outcomes in infant rumination syndrome.
- The importance of a supportive environment and maternal involvement in treatment is highlighted.
- This review provides insights into managing this rare pediatric condition.
Abstract:
Rumination is a relatively rare, potentially fatal syndrome in infants. This article reviews the historical and current treatment of rumination. Two cases are presented: a six-month-old who narrowly escaped surgery when the disorder was not recognized, and a complicated case from the neonatology intensive care unit. Environmental changes and enhanced mothering are described as being critical to correction of rumination and appropriate weight gain.