Pneumatosis intestinalis as a complication of acute diarrhoea in children

Introduction
Pneumatosis of the intestine is often mentioned in the course of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants.

Aim of the study
The aim of the study was to assess the course of pneumatosis intestinalis in acute diarrhoea and to analyse the factors in its development.

Material and methods
The analysis included 10 children aged from three months to six years. All children underwent abdominal ultrasound examination, which revealed pneumatosis of the intestine. The analysis included pregnancy and delivery history, clinical symptoms, and the results of laboratory tests.

Results
Bloody diarrhoea dominated the clinical picture in 9/10 patients (90%). Abnormal pregnancy/delivery history was reported in six children. NEC was concluded in 3/10 children. Infections with rotavirus were reported win 7/10 patients, Klebsiella pneumoniae were cultured in the stools of 4/10 children. Food allergy was observed in 5/10 patients and immunoglobulin deficiency in three children.

Conclusions
This study describes some cases of pneumatosis intestinalis as a complication following acute diarrhoea, as observed in children below the age of 12 months. Abnormalities in pregnancy/delivery history, low body mass, and co-occurrence of food allergy were the risk factors.