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Cholelithiasis in early infancy
D T Wilcox1, D Casson, J Bowen
1Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Hospital Road, Manchester, M 27 1 HA, UK.
Pediatric Surgery International
|February 1, 1997
Insights
Gallstones causing obstructive jaundice in infants are rare but treatable. Surgical removal of gallstones (cholecystectomy) and common bile duct exploration were successful in three young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Neonatal Medicine
Background:
- Gallstones are uncommon in pediatric populations.
- Obstructive jaundice in infants can have various etiologies.
- Identifying predisposing factors is crucial for early diagnosis.
Observation:
- Three infants, aged 7 weeks to 5 months, presented with obstructive jaundice.
- Gallstones were identified as the cause of the obstruction.
- Escherichia coli sepsis and furosemide therapy were noted risk factors in two cases.
Findings:
- All three patients underwent successful cholecystectomy.
- Exploration of the common bile duct was performed in all cases.
- Surgical intervention resolved the obstructive jaundice.
Implications:
- This case series highlights the possibility of gallstone-induced obstructive jaundice in young infants.
- Early recognition and surgical management are effective treatment strategies.
- Understanding risk factors like sepsis and certain medications can aid in identifying at-risk infants.
Abstract:
This report describes three children, age range 7 weeks to 5 months, who presented with obstructive jaundice secondary to gallstones. Previous Escherichia coli septicaemia and frusemide therapy were predisposing risk factors in two of the patients. All three were successfully treated with cholecystectomy and exploration of the common bile duct.