[Intestinal volvulus in extremely premature infants].
Volvulus with or without malrotation are infrequent in the extremely premature newborn.


METHODS
Intestinal volvulus in seven premature newborns are reported with abdominal distention, bright and tense skin without visible bowel loops and spiraled bowel loops on the abdominal X-ray. Intestinal resection was avoided due to early diagnosis. We identified abdominal wall massages as a risk factor, because no new cases have occurred since interdiction of these practices.


CONCLUSIONS
Symptoms and radiologic findings are relatively specific for excluding the diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature newborns. Abdominal nursing could be the incriminating factor.
Billiemaz
K
K
Service de réanimation pédiatrique et néonatologie, hôpital Nord, 42055 Saint-Etienne, France.
Varlet
F
F
Patural
H
H
Rayet
I
I
Tardieu
D
D
Lavocat
M P
MP
Teyssier
G
G
D000005:Abdomen; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D020345:Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors
Volvulus du grêle et grande prématurité.