Term neonates with bilious vomiting – should they be considered as time critical transfers to the surgical centre?. (24th May 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mohinuddin, SM; Sakhuja, P; Flemming, P; Bermundo, B; Mohidin, R; Ratnavel, N; Kempley, S
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 97(2012)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A106
• Page End: A106
• Publication Date: 2012-05-24
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2012-301885.251
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Bilious vomiting in a neonate can be a presenting sign of intestinal obstruction with consequences of gut compromise and long term sequelae. As it is difficult to identify the baby with an underlying surgical problem, neonates presenting with bilious vomiting are often transferred to surgical centres. The burden and outcomes of this cohort of infants on neonatal services are not described in the literature. Aims: To evaluate the outcomes of infants referred with bilious vomiting to a regional neonatal transfer service. Methods: A retrospective audit of transfers performed by our service during a three year period (January 2007 to January 2011). Clinical data and outcomes were collected from case records. Results: During the three year period, 203 neonates with bilious vomiting were transferred. Of these, 38 records had missing outcome data and were excluded, resulting in 165 records being analysed. The median gestation was 39.5 weeks and median birth weight 3.2 Kg. A male preponderance with a ratio of 1.4 to 1 was seen. Median age at referral was 36 hours (Range 2.3-166 hours). Median response time (time interval between time of referral and transfer team arriving to the baby) was 80 minutes (IQR 55-170 minutes). Median stabilisation times were 46 minutes (IQR 40-60 minutes). Following transfer 54 (33%) infants underwent a surgical procedure. A further 17 had Hirschprungs disease which was conservatively managed, making a total of 71 (43%) of babies with a surgical condition (diagnoses shown in table 1 ). Conclusion: We have demonstrated that 43% of neonates referred with bilious vomiting have a surgical condition, a quarter of whom have a diagnosis of malrotation. We recommend that transfers of such infants should be regarded as time critical and this should be taken into consideration in service and resource planning.