ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2006;12:68-70 | Number 1, February 2006
CASE REPORT
Splenic rupture in a premature neonate
JY Ting, BCC Lam, CSW Ngai, WC Leung, KL Chan
Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
 
 
Splenic injuries are very rare in neonates. We report a case of splenic injury in a premature neonate, highlighting the importance of a high-index suspicion in early recognition of this rare but potentially fatal intra-abdominal injury. We also review the literature on possible aetiologies and mechanism of splenic injury, as well as its management. This is the first reported case of a very low-birth-weight neonate with splenic rupture who survived with intact neurology.
 
Key words: Hemoperitoneum; Infant, premature; Infant, very low birth weight; Splenic rupture
 
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