Is infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis life threatening?

This is a case re-affirming that infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) can present with severe electrolyte abnormalities and can be a medical emergency as seen in this patient.

What happens in hypertrophic pyloric stenosis?

Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is blockage of the passage out of the stomach due to thickening (hypertrophy) of the muscle at the junction between the stomach and the intestines. The thickened muscle creates a partial blockage (obstruction) that interferes with the passage of stomach contents into the small intestine.

Why is Bicarb high in pyloric stenosis?

ELECTROLYTE ABNORMALITIES Pyloric stenosis usually results in metabolic alkalosis with associated hypochloremia and hypokalemia due to a loss of hydrogen and chloride ions from vomiting gastric contents.

Is hypertrophic pyloric stenosis an emergency?

Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is an acute abdominal emergency in infants that often presents to Emergency Departments.

Can pyloric stenosis resolve without surgery?

Pyloric stenosis needs to be treated. It won’t improve on its own. Your child will need surgery called pyloromyotomy.

Are babies born with pyloric stenosis?

The causes of pyloric stenosis are unknown, but genetic and environmental factors might play a role. Pyloric stenosis usually isn’t present at birth and probably develops afterward.

Is pyloric stenosis a birth defect?

Pyloric stenosis is a birth defect. This means that your child is born with it. This condition may run in some families.

How is a pyloromyotomy performed?

Pyloromyotomy. In surgery to treat pyloric stenosis (pyloromyotomy), the surgeon makes an incision in the wall of the pylorus. The lining of the pylorus bulges through the incision, opening a channel from the stomach to the small intestine. Surgery is needed to treat pyloric stenosis.

Can pyloric stenosis cause death?

The incidence of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is 2-4 per 1000 live births. Death from infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is rare and unexpected. The reported mortality rate is very low and usually results from delays in diagnosis with eventual dehydration and shock.

Does pyloric stenosis go away on its own?

Pyloric stenosis needs to be treated. It won’t improve on its own. Your child will need surgery called pyloromyotomy. During this surgery, which can be done laparoscopically, a surgeon will cut through part of the thickened muscle in order to restore a pathway for food and liquid to pass through.

How do you feed a baby with pyloric stenosis?

Treatment for pyloric stenosis: After your baby is diagnosed with pyloric stenosis, he or she will be fed through intravenous (IV) fluids rather than by mouth to stop the vomiting and replace needed nutrients.