A 1500-gram, 30-week gestation neonate is fed at 2 weeks of age. He develops abdominal distention, bilious vomiting and guaiac-positive stool. A plain film of the abdomen demonstrates pneumotosis intestinalis. Which of the following related statements are true?
A. An emergency barium upper GI series should be done to rule out malrotation
B. The child should have a nasogastric tube placed, broad spectrum intravenous antibiotics begun, and sequential abdominal films obtained.
C. The likelihood of intestinal perforation is in excess of 50%
D. The expected survival rate is in the range of 70%
Answer:B
A 1500-gram, 30-week gestation neonate is fed at 2 weeks of age. He develops abdominal distention, bilious vomiting and guaiac-positive stool. A plain film of the abdomen demonstrates pneumotosis intestinalis. Which of the following related statements are true?
A. An emergency barium upper GI series should be done to rule out malrotation B. The child should have a nasogastric tube placed, broad spectrum intravenous antibiotics begun, and sequential abdominal films obtained. C. The likelihood of intestinal perforation is in excess of 50% D. The expected survival rate is in the range of 70%