Necrotizing enterocolitis and hemolysis associated with Clostridium perfringens
S. Warren, J. R. Schreiber and M. F. Epstein
Two newborns had necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and severe hemolytic
anemia. Clostridium perfringens was identified in the peritoneal fluid of
both infants, supporting the previous association of C perfringens with
hemolysis reported in adult patients. Infants with NEC and hemolytic anemia
should be aggressively treated with surgical debridement and high-dose
parenteral penicillin G potassium. Similarly, Gram's stain of peritoneal
fluid and resected bowel at laparotomy for NEC may be useful for early
identification of the primary organism.
