Article Text
Abstract
Cholelithiasis is very rare in the newborn infant (0.5%). Most common associations are haemolytic anaemia, treatment with total parental nutrition, abdominal surgery and family histroy. We describe a case of symptomatic gall stones detected in a 11-week-old baby.
Case presentation 11 weeks old referred by the GP with jaundice and pale stools. This baby was born at term to healthy parents. He was on full enteral feeds. Did not have any features of infections. He had weight loss from 91st centile to 75th centile. Systemic examination was unremarkable except for tinge of jaundice. Blood investigations showed an elevated conjugated bilirubin levels and raised liver enzymes. Ultra sound scan detected significantly dilated intra hepatic ducts, common bile duct and gall bladder contained calculi. He was treated conservatively.
Conclusions Children of all ages may develop gall stones. Cholilithiosis should be considered in a baby with prolonged jaundice and pale stools. Hepatic ultrasound scan should be done in babies with conjugated hyperbilirubinaaemia.