Zdravniški Vestnik (Apr 2018)

Bilateral adrenal bleeding: the cause of high early jaundice and acute primary adrenal insufficiency in the neonate

  • Petja Fister,
  • Marta Žnidaršič Eržen,
  • Primož Kotnik,
  • Mojca Tomažič

DOI
https://doi.org/10.6016/ZdravVestn.2614
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 87, no. 3-4

Abstract

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Adrenal bleeding in a newborn is rare. The cause of bleeding is unknown, most likely due to several factors. Bleeding may be minimal with no clinical signs or fulminant with acute adrenal insufficiency, which is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate detection and treatment. In this paper we represent a clinical case of a term neonate born to the mother with gestational diabetes, who was hospitalised due to high early hyperbilirubinemia. Significant bleeding in both adrenal glands was identified by ultrasound and primary adrenal insufficiency diagnosed. We discuss possible causes, the diagnostic clues, the treatment of disease and its prognosis.

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