Rotavirus infection in newborn: A rare case of necrotizing enterocolitis

Abstract

Rotavirus infections in neonates are often asymptomatic, but they can become complicated, up to Necrotizing Enterocolitis. Aim of the study is to resume the history of a rare case of NEC due to Rotavirus infection comparing clinical features, lab tests and development of Rotavirus-NEC to bacterial-NEC in order to identify the correct management and the best therapeutical strategy for this group of patients. Our case report described the complicated story of a preterm female affected by Rotavirus-NEC who underwent surgery three times, but at least with good outcome. Different risks factors predispose to NEC due to Rotavirus such as prematurity, seasonality and formula feeding. Associated symptoms are abdominal distention, tenderness, bloody stools and fever. Development of NEC in newborns affected by Rotavirus is pathognomonic: only a very small percentage of newborns affected by Rotavirus infections develop NEC, but all of them need surgery which is resolutive most of time. The average hospital stay of surgical newborns affected by Rotavirus infection was longer than that of newborns surgically treated for bacterial gastrointestinal infections. Prevention of Rotavirus infections may be important to decrease the incidence of NEC, the morbidity and the mortality rate in neonatal period.