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5. Causes and Clinical Presentations in Newborns with Abdominal Distention in Early Days of Life

Muhammad Maqsood Zahid1, Shahid Mehmood2, Asma Tariq4, Khaleel Ahmed3,
Iqra Arshad4 and Tehmina Naz4

ABSTRACT

Objective: To detect the causes and clinical presentations in newborns with abdominal distention in early days
of life.

Study Design: Cross sectional descriptive study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Surgical Unit and Pediatrics, Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Teaching Hospital and doctor’s Hospital Gujrat from 01st July 2012 to 30th June 2022.

Materials and Methods: Newborns 1-15 days of age with abdominal distention and distended bowel loops on x-ray abdomen were selected for study. All the newborns who responded well to medical treatment within 24 hours after admission and were not suspected of having congenital abnormality of gut were excluded from the study. Moreover all the newborns who were proved of having congenital abnormality of the gut on examination or investigations were immediately included in the study without waiting for 24 hours. Informed consent, specifically from the parents or attendants was taken.

Results: Congenital malformations, like intestinal atresia, congenital megacolon,  malrotation and anal atresia were seen in 20 premature newborns with abdominal distention. While thirty full-term newborns were seen with the same disorders. Sepsis was observed the number one cause of abdominal distention in the group of preterm babies 29(59.18%). Moreover sepsis was also number one cause in the group of full-term babies 28(48.27%). Regarding complaint of vomiting, it was a main symptom observed during abdominal distension, occurring in 48 (82.75%) newborns, who were full-term newborns and 35 (71.42%) premature newborns (Table 3). The most important finding on X-ray was bowel distention with or without air-fluid levels, especially in the preterm group 02 (4.08%) and 47 (95.91%) respectively. On other hand in full term newborns bowel distention with or without air-fluid level was 03 (5.17%) and 55 (94.82%) respectively (Table 3).

Conclusion: Actually we cannot ignore congenital malformations, because these may be the major cause of abdominal distension in newborns during their early life. Sepsis is very common in our set up, that’s why it is the single disease, which is the most frequently associated with abdominal distention, especially in preterm babies. Vomiting is observed as a main accompanying symptom of abdominal distension, especially in newborns during their early life. Regarding X-ray manifestations, it seems to be more severe in preterm newborns than in full term newborns. If we recognize the problem early and start the treatment immediately, it may give excellent prognosis.

Key Words: Abdominal distention in Newborn

Citation of article: Zahid MM, Mehmood S, Tariq A, Ahmed K, Arshad I, Naz T. Causes and Clinical Presentations in Newborns with Abdominal Distention in Early Days of Life. Med Forum 2023;34(7):17-20. doi:10.60110/medforum.340705.