[Spontaneous rupture of the stomach in a newborn infant with E. coli sepsis (author's transl)].

There is a high mortality rate in neonates with spontaneous rupture of the stomach. Clinical manifestations are vomiting, abdominal distension, respiratory distress and shock. An upright X-ray film showing a pneumoperitoneum is diagnostic. Successful treatment depends on early recognition of the condition and immediate surgical intervention. The case of a newborn with septicemia and spontaneous gastric rupture is described.