[Neonatal hemoperitoneum]

Abstract

Patients and results: A series of four cases observed in the department of pediatric surgery in Monastir between 1990 and 1998 are reported. The diagnosis was made in the two first days of life. The clinical features associated paleness, shock and abdominal distension. Ultrasonography revealed that the hemoperitoneum was associated with liver hematoma in three cases and with retroperitoneal hematoma in two cases. Three infants required emergency hemostatic laparotomy. The fourth was stabilized by initial resuscitation. One infant died at the age of six months following subarachnoid hemorrhage and subdural hematoma. No complication occurred in the three remaining patients.

Conclusion: The pathogeny, clinical features and treatment of the hemoperitoneum in the newborn are discussed. The authors stress preventive measures, the only way to decrease the incidence of this neonatal complaint.