Intussusception in a Premature Infant Simulating Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Abstract

Intussusception is a rare condition in the neonatal period, and reported cases in premature infants are uncommon.^1,2 We report a case of intussusception in a premature infant who had many clinical features that simulated necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Report of a Case.—A 970-g, 28-week-gestation female infant was delivered by cesarean section after an unsuccessful attempt to stop labor. Her 26-year-old mother (gravida 1, para 0) had had an abdominal cerclage placed on the previous day for an incompetent cervix. The infant's Apgar scores were 6 and 7 at one and five minutes, respectively. Because of signs of respiratory distress, an endotracheal tube was inserted, mechanical ventilation was started, and an umbilical artery catheter was placed. No organisms grew from a blood culture obtained before the start of therapy with ampicillin and gentamicin sulfate. On the third hospital day, the infant was weaned from the ventilator, the umbilical artery catheter