What to do and how to treat neonatal adrenal hemorrhage

The incidence of neonatal adrenal hemorrhage is about one in five hundred, and it is not clear how many fetuses have already experienced it in the mother's body. It is speculated that it may be related to the sudden increase in blood pressure in the inferior vena cava that is transmitted back to the adrenal vein. So what should we do about neonatal adrenal hemorrhage and how to treat it?

Causes of neonatal adrenal hematoma

According to observations and statistics, infants with heavy birth weight, those with an unsuccessful delivery process or delivery injuries, those suffering from hypoxia, prolonged labor, sepsis, coagulation diseases, and renal vein thrombosis are all prone to neonatal adrenal hematoma.

Previous scholars have observed that swelling usually occurs before adrenal bleeding. However, once hypoxia occurs, blood in the baby's body will flow to the heart, brain, and adrenal glands, causing adrenal bleeding.

However, there are also cases where the mother's prenatal examinations are normal, the delivery process is smooth, and there are no risk factors mentioned above but still develops adrenal hematoma. Fortunately, the vast majority of babies with adrenal hematoma do not suffer from adrenal deficiency or failure.

Treatment of neonatal adrenal hematoma

In cases where an adrenal cyst is found in a newborn baby undergoing ultrasound examination after birth, in addition to adrenal hematoma, other lesions that may have similar imaging must also be considered.

In addition, some cysts in adjacent organs such as the intestines, liver, bile duct, kidneys, ovaries, and even lung cysts may be mistaken for adrenal tumors.

Most infant adrenal hematomas will slowly absorb over time. However, if they grow rapidly or do not disappear after three to four months of follow-up, malignant neuroblastoma cannot be ruled out.

It must be surgically removed and a pathologist must be asked to determine whether it is benign or malignant. If it is indeed a tumor, it will usually heal well after appropriate chemotherapy.

This disease, which is not uncommon in newborns, will heal without medication as long as you cooperate with the pediatrician and follow up patiently. If you do encounter a malignant tumor, it can be treated as soon as possible without delay.

How long does it take for a neonatal adrenal hematoma to disappear?

It takes about 3-4 weeks for the lump to be gradually absorbed, shrink and harden. For some newborns, it may take longer, and it may take 4-6 months for the hematoma to be absorbed and disappear.