A Case of Intestinal Perforation with Candida Infection in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infant

ABSTRACT

Necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC) is considered to be the leading cause of intestinal perforation in extremely low birth weight infants. We have seen an infant with intestir 1 perforation whose clinical, surgical and histopathological features were different from the presenting features of NEC. A male infant, the 995 gm product of 29-week gestation revealed intermittent abdominal distension which was managed conservatively with fluid and antibiotics. On the nineteenth day of life, free peritoneal air was seen on radiograph, and laparotorny was performed. At surgery, a discrete perforation was found in the terminal ileum. The intestine surrounding the perforation appeared normal without evidence of NEC. Biopsy specimen at the site of perforation was noted to have Candida invading the bowel wall. All blood cultures obtained before surgery were subsequently negative.