A preterm infant with intestinal lymphangiectasia: a diagnostic dilemma.
Intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) is a potentially fatal disorder of the lymphatic system if it is not recognized and proper treatment initiated. The disease is characterized by lymphocytopenia, peripheral edema, and hypoalbuminemia. Because IL is a rare disease, the symptoms, diagnostic workup, and treatment are unfamiliar to many clinicians. Current literature documents only a few reported cases of IL in a preterm infant. This case report of a preterm infant reviews history, symptomatology, and the diagnostic workup performed. The steps in making the diagnosis, the treatment, and the prognosis of this condition are also presented.
McDonald
Karen Q
KQ
kqmcdonald@comcast.net
Bears
Christina M
CM
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D008201:Lymphangiectasis, Intestinal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing*; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000379:methods*