Inguinal hernia in extremely preterm infants

Abstract

The prevalence of inguinal hernia during primary hospitalization was determined in 250 infants with gestational age 24-29 weeks. Fourteen per cent developed hernia, with prevalence significantly higher in boys than girls. Infants with respiratory distress syndrome and those requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation were significantly predisposed to the development of hernia. Male infants, especially those who required prolonged ventilatory assistance, were at greatest risk. This information may be used when counselling parents regarding complications of very preterm infants.