title: Neonatal gastric lactobezoar: management with N-acetylcysteine.
abstract: Gastric lactobezoars (GLBs) are the most common form of bezoars in neonates and consist of aggregations of undigested milk constituents. GLB can present with a variety of intra-abdominal clinical symptoms, and occasionally, extra-abdominal symptoms. Conservative management, with a period of bowel rest and intravenous fluids, is the most common treatment regimen for uncomplicated GLB. Surgical measures are reserved for the rare complications of obstruction and/or perforation. Although limited, utilization of the protein-cleaving enzyme N-acetylcysteine has been described for the disintegration of GLB in toddlers. In this paper, we discuss the first documented use of N-acetylcysteine for a neonatal GLB. Supporting literature, the infant's unusual presentation, and details of the treatment regimen are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32209, USA.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bajorek
authors.forename: Roel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Basaldua
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McGoogan
authors.forename: Charla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Craig B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Sussman