[Neonatal cholestatic lithiasis associated with E. coli infection]

Abstract

Background: Cholestasis associated with gallbladder lithiasis is quite uncommon in the neonate. We report such a case possibly due to a bacterial infection.

Case report: A 25 day-old neonate was admitted because he suffered from cholestatic jaundice associated with biological findings of inflammation. Hepatic cellular function and transaminases were normal. Ultrasonography showed hepatomegaly and a 10 mm diameter gallstone with sludge into the gallbladder. The patient was given cefotaxime plus netilmicine. Soluble antigenes for E coli were positive in the urine. Jaundice and inflammatory findings returned to normal within 10 days and ultrasonography was normal at the age of 20 months.

Conclusion: Neonatal E coli infection could be responsible for gallstone formation since E coli endotoxin may induce biliary stasis and favours lithogenous action of bacterial glycoproteins.