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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
Summary
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.