Neonatal Gastric Lactobezoar : Management with N-Acetylcysteine

Abstract EN

Gastric lactobezoars (GLBs) are the most common form of bezoars in neonates and consist of aggregations of undigested milk constituents.

GLB can present with a variety of intra-abdominal clinical symptoms, and occasionally, extra-abdominal symptoms.

Conservative management, with a period of bowel rest and intravenous fluids, is the most common treatment regimen for uncomplicated GLB.

Surgical measures are reserved for the rare complications of obstruction and/or perforation.

Although limited, utilization of the protein-cleaving enzyme N-acetylcysteine has been described for the disintegration of GLB in toddlers.

In this paper, we discuss the first documented use of N-acetylcysteine for a neonatal GLB.

Supporting literature, the infant’s unusual presentation, and details of the treatment regimen are discussed.