Does Preterm Status Hinder the Timely Diagnosis of Intestinal Atresia?

Abstract

Intestinal atresia is one of the most common causes of bowel obstruction in newborns. Unfortunately, this diagnosis is often missed or delayed in extremely preterm infants because of complications of prematurity including feeding intolerance and necrotizing enterocolitis. Here we report 2 cases of jejunoileal atresia in extremely preterm infants who were diagnosed beyond 30 days of age. Case 1 had jejunoileal atresia type IIIa, whereas case 2 had type IV jejunoileal atresia complicated by short bowel syndrome. Ideally, intestinal atresia should be diagnosed as early as possible in a patient’s hospital course to attain full enteral feedings earlier and avoid prolonged hospitalization. Planned surgical intervention prior to the development of sepsis or bowel perforation is associated with better outcomes. Ultimately, this report serves as a reminder to physicians that intestinal atresia remains an important differential for infants, including preterm infants, with feeding intolerance in the first days to weeks of age.