Intussusception in preterm neonate

Introduction: While necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is more commonly encountered in premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit, intussusception is extremely rare and usually forgotten in differential diagnosis. This is because both diseases share common clinical findings including abdominal distension, bilious gastric residuals and bloody stool. Presentation of case: A 33-gestational week-male baby was referred on 23rd postnatal day with bleeding per rectum, intolerance to feed and absolute constipation 2 days earlier. He was misdiagnosed as necrotizing enterocolitis and received conservative treatment. Later, because of deterioration of general condition, he was explored and an intussusception was found. Resection and anastamosis were done and the child was discharged on the 11th day postoperative. Conclusion: Although extremely rare, intussusception should be included in the differential diagnosis of neonatal intestinal obstruction, even in the preterms as delayed diagnosis will further result in gangrene and perforation as well as deterioration of the baby's general condition. Keywords: Intussusception, Preterm- NE