Isolated Ileal Perforation in Infancy: A Lethal Initial Presentation of Hirschsprung's Disease

Mortality Prediction Score for Hirschsprung's Disease-Associated Enterocolitis: A Novel Mortality Prediction Model

INTRODUCTION

Enterocolitis associated with Hirschsprung's disease is a fatal and serious complication. Number of scoring systems are in vogue to grade the severity of Hirschsprung's disease associated with enterocolitis (HDAEC), but none of these scoring systems help predict mortality. Hence, we attempt to develop a mortality prediction model (MPM) for HDAEC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of all cases of HDAEC encountered was analyzed. We also used the parameters of Elhalaby et al. for data collection. A total number of 71 cases were analyzed with regard to mortality in relation to each parameter. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated by statistician, and based on these values, a scoring model was proposed. All those with predicted mortality were given score 2 and those who did not were given score 1.

RESULTS

A total score of more than 16 predicted mortality, a score of <10 predicted survival, and a score between 11 and 15 predicted survival with morbidity.

CONCLUSION

A MPM for HDAEC is being proposed.

Neonatal thrombotic microangiopathy secondary to factor I variant with Hirschsprung disease

Neonatal thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a rare and severe disease characterized by a triad of non-immune hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and organ dysfunction in neonates. We describe herein an early-term infant who underwent hemicolectomy at 4 days of age due to intestinal perforation. Following surgery, the patient had recurrent bouts of vomiting and abdominal distention, together with acute kidney injury, non-immune hemolytic anemia, and severe thrombocytopenia. Low complement levels raised the possibility of complement-mediated neonatal TMA. Finally, genetic tests identified a heterozygous mutation in the complement factor I gene. Anti-C5 monoclonal antibody therapy led to complete cessation of the hematological and renal manifestations, but symptoms of intestinal obstruction recurred. Intestinal biopsy demonstrated aganglionosis, compatible with Hirschsprung disease. This presentation is the first known case of neonatal complement-mediated TMA associated with Hirschsprung disease. Moreover, it highlights the importance of considering a diagnosis of TMA in cases of atypical neonatal infectious presentation.