Particulars of breastfeeding age in preterm child (case report)

Abstract

Background. General physicians often encounter preterm infants and adverse sequelae of prematurity-related morbidities. Interruption of intrauterine development leads to considerable deficits in the internal organs structure and function. It can lead to endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, proteinuria and metabolic abnormalities that persist throughout life. Children born early or low birth weight (LBW) infants also have relatively increased risk for the deve­lopment of kidney injury later in life. Often these infants have history of treatment at the intensive care unit due to hypoxic damage or inflammatory response that also affects kidneys necessitating the use of nephrotoxic medications. The treatment and diagnosis outcomes were applied to make a conclusion about clinical features of the preterm 7-month-old girl. The data were analyzed using PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases. The aim is to summarize particulars of breastfeeding period in a LBW baby, providing a physician with practical information regar­ding organization of a follow-up. Material and methods. The baby was moderately preterm (32–33 weeks of gestation) with LBW (2100 g). Her mother was consulted regarding hypertension and threat of miscarriage during pregnancy. The child had renal borderline states in the newborn period. Apgar score was low, neonatal resuscitation and respiratory support by the continuous positive airway pressure were used. The newborn had poor regulation of body temperature, depended on environmental factors and prone to rapid heat loss, so she was nursed in incubator. A feeding tube was used despite poor sucking at the first days after delivery and breastfeeding was continued as soon as possible. Eventually, formula feeding was started. Results. Fever, vomiting, dehydration, loss of body weight and oliguria appeared in the 7-month-old baby after the upper respiratory tract infection. Examination showed the stigmas, neurodevelopmental delay, physical growth gap. Blood tests revealed anemia of the first stage and a rapid increase in the level of white blood cells with a left shift and electrolyte imbalance. The laboratory tests of primary and secondary hemostasis were normal. Physical, chemical and microscopic urine properties were changed according to results of urine test. The sonography revealed changes in renal tissue and thymic hyperplasia. The child was diagnosed with acute pyelonephritis and treated. Conclusions. Physicians should focus attention on the stigmas, neurodevelopmental delay, physical growth gap, life history, clinical signs and results of examination to make timely conclusion about child’s general state. Kidney injury could be diagnosed in preterm LBW infants.

Keywords

• kidney disorders
• preterm infant
• breastfeeding age