title: Inappropriate use of contrast studies prior to referral of neonatal gastrointestinal anomalies and bowel obstruction.
abstract: Ten cases of neonatal gastrointestinal anomalies and bowel obstruction are described, in which contrast studies were carried out prior to transfer. Nine of the 10 infants had bile-stained vomiting, indicating the need for immediate surgical referral. The contrast studies resulted in delayed referral, deferment of appropriate resuscitation, and complications associated with the study. In several cases the wrong type of study, or the wrong contrast medium was used. These 10 infants required urgent surgical referral, not a sophisticated radiological procedure in geographic and surgical isolation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neonatology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Gillam
authors.forename: P N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: McDougall
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Boldt
mesh_terms: D001466:Barium Sulfate; D004065:Digestive System Abnormalities; D004733:Enema; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001466:Barium Sulfate