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Antacid bezoar in a premature infant
1Department of Neonatology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
American Journal of Perinatology
|March 1, 1995
Abstract:
A premature infant with severe enteroviral infection was treated with Maalox for gastric bleeding. Bezoars formed, which were shown to contain high concentrations of magnesium. An association between antacid administration and bezoar formation in neonates has been previously suggested but has not until now been clearly documented.
Insights
Severe enteroviral infection in a premature infant led to gastric bleeding treated with Maalox. This antacid treatment resulted in magnesium-rich bezoars, clearly documenting a link between antacid use and bezoar formation in neonates.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Premature infants are susceptible to severe infections.
- Gastric bleeding is a potential complication in critically ill neonates.
- Antacids are sometimes used to manage gastrointestinal issues in infants.
Observation:
- A premature infant with severe enteroviral infection experienced gastric bleeding.
- Treatment involved the administration of Maalox, an antacid containing magnesium.
- The infant subsequently developed bezoars, which are solid masses of undigested material.
Findings:
- Analysis of the bezoars revealed high concentrations of magnesium.
- This finding provides direct evidence of magnesium accumulation from antacid use.
- The case clearly documents a link between antacid administration and bezoar formation in neonates.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential risk of antacid use in premature infants.
- Clinicians should consider the risk of bezoar formation when prescribing magnesium-containing antacids to neonates.
- Further research may be warranted to explore the mechanisms and prevalence of this complication.