Intestinal Obstruction Associated With Amoebic Colitis In Infancy

Abstract

Several non-surgical conditions are known with manifest intestinal obstruction as a complication in infancy. Amongst these, generalised sepsis, enteritis, adrenal insufficiency, hyperthyroidism, lactose intolerance, haemolytic jaundice and respiratory distress syndrome are not uncommon during the first few days after birth (Takashi et al., 1968). Abdominal distension, pain, absolute constipation and late vomiting in older infants usually indicates obstruction of the colon, especially if, on upright X-ray of the abdomen, there are multiple fluid levels. The passage of blood per rectum strongly indicates intussusception, but if toxaemia and pyrexia are present a non-surgical condition should be suspected. Nevertheless, intussusception may occur secondarily to infection.