Overview of GI Disorders in Neonates and Infants

By William J. Cochran, MD, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, PA

NOTE: This is the Professional Version. CONSUMERS: Click here for the Consumer Version

Gastrointestinal Disorders in Neonates and Infants
Overview of GI Disorders in Neonates and Infants
Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants
Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis
Intussusception
Meconium Ileus
Meconium Plug Syndrome
Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Neonatal Cholestasis
Miscellaneous Surgical Emergencies in Neonates

Gastrointestinal disorders can affect neonates and infants:

Neonates are also susceptible to miscellaneous surgical emergencies (inguinal hernia, gastric perforation, ileal perforation, and mesenteric arterial occlusion).

Infectious gastroenteritis is the most common pediatric GI disorder. About 5 billion episodes occur worldwide each year, most commonly in developing countries among children < 5 yr. Death due to dehydration occurs in about 2 million cases/yr. In the US, 15 to 25 million cases occur annually, resulting in 300 to 400 deaths. About 2% of children in developed countries will require hospitalization at some time due to acute gastroenteritis and dehydration. In the US, acute gastroenteritis accounts for an estimated 200,000 hospitalizations and 3 to 5 million outpatient visits at a cost in excess of 1 billion dollars.

Last full review/revision February 2017 by William J. Cochran, MD