[Hemoperitoneum and splenic rupture in a newborn infant]

Abstract

Splenic rupture is a rare cause of hemoperitoneum in the neonate. We report on a case of splenic rupture in a full-term neonate with normal spleen following a non-traumatic delivery. The spleen was found to be completely transected and a splenectomy was required. Several etiologies have been proposed: traumatic delivery, in utero fetal trauma prior to delivery, high birth weight, clotting defect, erythroblastosis fetalis. Partial splenectomy or repair of splenic laceration should be performed rather than total splenectomy which can cause severe bacterial sepsis.