Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis
What is Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis?
Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is a condition in which the muscle at the lower end of the stomach becomes thickened, causing a narrowed passage for food to move into the small intestine. This condition is rarely seen in adults. It occurs in the first few weeks of a baby’s life and is most common in males.
Symptoms of Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis
The most common symptom of IHPS is forceful, projectile vomit after feeding. While the baby is vomiting, you may be able to see the thickened pylorus as a mass in the baby’s abdomen. Other symptoms can include:
- Inability to keep down feedings
- Weight loss and dehydration
- Lethargy
- Bleeding or swelling in the abdomen
- Abdominal bloating
Causes of Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis
The exact cause is unknown but there is thought to be a genetic component as IHPS occurs in families. It is thought that the pylorus muscle hypertrophy is the result of an unbalanced combination of hormones around the time of birth.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis
If a doctor suspects a baby might have IHPS, he or she will do an ultrasound of the baby’s abdomen to look for the thickened pylorus. Treatment is surgery to remove the thickened tissue. After surgery, the baby must be monitored for possible complications such as infection or bleeding.
Complications of Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis
The most common complication of IHPS is dehydration due to the baby’s inability to keep down feedings. Dehydration can lead to other more serious complications such as electrolyte imbalances or poor weight gain. Rarely, unnecessarily delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to bacterial infection or scarring of the pylorus due to swelling and inflammation.