Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a natural way for infants (predominantly term) to receive nutrition and it is recommended up to 2 years of age, with almost exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months (WHO = World Health Organization). In order to reduce allergy and celiac disease (especially in families with allergies), complementary nutrition…

Congenital anomalies of gastrointestinal tract

Congenital anomalies of gastrointestinal tract

Congenital anomalies of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) can be sometimes detected by the prenatal screening (ultrasound – polyhydramnios, direct visualisation of affected GIT; biochemistry – elevated alpha-fetoprotein in gastroschisis and omphalocele). Postnatal investigations include proper clinical examination (distended abdomen, vomiting with/without bilious aspirates) and imaging techniques (ultrasound, native or contrast radiography). The lower (distal) the obstruction in the…

Necrotizing enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) belongs to acute abdomen events (inflammatory subgroup). It is typical disease of extreme prematurity – incidence is inversely proportional to advancing gestational age (1-5% of newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit). Mortality associated with NEC varies between 20-50%. Multifactorial basis of NEC makes it difficult to pinpoint single…

Acute abdomen

Acute abdomen

Acute abdomen events arise from a number of diseases based on the predominant pathophysiology. They require urgent revision. Basic division of acute abdomen in newborns: congenital gastrointestinal malformations non-inflammatory→ ileus of prematurity (IOP)→ spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP)→ incarceration of inguinal hernia→ testicular torsion (unilateral orchidectomy) inflammatory→ necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)→ peritonitis (usually…