title: Gastrointestinal tract perforation in neonates.
abstract: Gastrointestinal tract perforation in neonates is a serious problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. Co-morbid factors, particularly prematurity and low birth weight, impact negatively on the outcome. This article highlights issues related to diagnosis and treatment with a view to improving the poor prognosis found in this condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Surgery, University of Natal, Durban, South Africa. robkum2002@yahoo.com
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Kuremu
authors.forename: G P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Hadley
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Wiersma
mesh_terms: D015897:Comorbidity; D020345:Enterocolitis, Necrotizing; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D012720:Severity of Illness Index