26th April 2024

A premature infant, born at 28 weeks gestation, presents with abdominal distension and bloody stools at 10 days of age.

A premature infant, born at 28 weeks gestation, presents with abdominal distension and bloody stools at 10 days of age. The baby was initially stable on enteral feeds but developed symptoms over the past 24 hours. On examination, the abdomen is firm and tender. Vital signs include a temperature of 37.8°C, heart rate of 170 bpm, and respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute. An abdominal X-ray reveals pneumatosis intestinalis and portal venous gas.

Which is the most likely diagnosis?