Work

Management of pneumatosis intestinalis after stoma takedown in preterm infants

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Objective We aimed to compare pre-term infants with and without post stoma takedown pneumatosis intestinalis (PSTPI), describe outcomes of PSTPI, and discuss current management strategies. Study Design We reviewed infants born at <34 weeks who underwent laparotomy with stoma formation and subsequent stoma takedown between 2010 and 2019 at two level IV NICUs . Comparisons were made between infants with PSTPI defined by the presence of PI on plain radiograph after stoma takedown ( n = 13), and those without PSTPI ( n = 102) with either Fisher's exact or Mann Whitney U test . Result No infants required urgent operation for PSTPI. All infants were treated with a period of NPO (median 8 days; range: 2–39) and antibiotic therapy (median 7 days; range:3–10). TPN at discharge was more common among the PSTPI group (31 % vs 10 %; p = 0.05). Conclusions Among this limited cohort, PSTPI among premature infants seems to follow a benign course and is often adequately treated with antibiotics and bowel rest.

Source: Journal of Pediatric Surgery Open

DOI: 10.1016/j.yjpso.2024.100184