Hypertrophic Gastropathy in a newborn: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

A newborn with hypoalbuminemia, hematochezia, and hypertrophic gastropathy is described. These features are similar to those reported in association with prostaglandin therapy in newborns, as well as those described in so-called Ménétrier's disease. Very few cases of hypertrophic gastropathy have been reported in children and fewer still verified histologically; only three other cases have been reported in newborns. The clinical and pathologic features of hypertrophic gastropathy in children, as well as its close association with eosinophilic gastroenteritis and with prostaglandin therapy, are discussed.

Menetrier Disease of Early Infancy: A Separate Entity?

“…Radiologic or sonographic studies and endoscopic biopsies are helpful but may not be adequate for confirmation of diagnosis which may require a fullthickness gastric biopsy (16,(28)(29)(30). Therapy in the reported cases of neonatal MD has included nasojejunal feedings, albumin infusions and parenteral nutrition (13). Treatment with prednisone in a single case (14) was unsuccessful.…”

“…A small number of MD cases have been reported in neonates (13–16). We report two additional cases MD that we encountered within a 7‐year period, which were diagnosed at autopsy.…”

Gastritis and Gastropathy of Childhood

“…The cause of adult Menetrier's disease is unknown, although a genetic predisposition is suggested in a report of three affected generations in one family (148), and cure of H. pylori infection has resulted in resolution of adult Menetrier's disease (149). Although this condition is reported from the neonatal period onward (150), the mean age of onset is 4.7 years (151). In children, the natural history is of self‐resolution within weeks or months (146,150,151).…”

“…Although this condition is reported from the neonatal period onward (150), the mean age of onset is 4.7 years (151). In children, the natural history is of self‐resolution within weeks or months (146,150,151). In contrast, the adult disease is usually chronic, and, occasionally, partial gastrectomy has been required to alleviate persistent abdominal symptoms, hypoproteinemia, and blood loss.…”