[Intestinal volvulus in extremely premature infants].

UNLABELLED: Volvulus with or without malrotation are infrequent in the extremely premature newborn.

CASE REPORTS: Intestinal volvulus in seven premature newborns are reported with abdominal distention, bright and tense skin without visible bowel loops and spiraled bowel loops on the abdominal X-ray. Intestinal resection was avoided due to early diagnosis. We identified abdominal wall massages as a risk factor, because no new cases have occurred since interdiction of these practices.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptoms and radiologic findings are relatively specific for excluding the diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature newborns. Abdominal nursing could be the incriminating factor.