Lethal Pneumatosis Coli in a Child from Intestinal Gas Gangrene
Author Information
Author(s): Kircher Stefan, Wössner Rupert, Müller-Hermelink Hans-Konrad, Völker Hans-Ullrich
Primary Institution: Institute of Pathology, University Würzburg
Hypothesis
Can prolonged artificial nutrition lead to intestinal gas gangrene in children?
Conclusion
Intestinal gas gangrene, although rare, should be considered as a potential cause of pneumatosis coli in patients receiving prolonged artificial nutrition.
Supporting Evidence
- The child had a history of severe hypoxic encephalopathy and dysphagia.
- Symptoms included abdominal pain, fever, and seizures before admission.
- Autopsy revealed significant intestinal damage consistent with pneumatosis coli.
Takeaway
A 12-month-old boy got very sick and died because of a rare condition caused by bad bacteria after being fed through a tube for a long time.
Methodology
Case report detailing clinical presentation, diagnostic procedures, and autopsy findings.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in reporting due to the nature of a single case study.
Limitations
Only one case is reported, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
12-month-old male child.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website