NEONATAL CHOLESTASIS - VALUE OF GALLBLADDER SONOGRAPHY

Purpose: Evaluation of sonography in the assessment of changes of the biliary system of newborn infants receiving total parenteral nutrition . Patients and Methods: In 20 premature infants on mechanical ventilat ion, the influence of two different amino acid solutions (Vaminolac(R) , Paedamin(R)) in the development of neonatal cholestasis was analysed . The patients were randomised in two groups. Group 1 (n=11) received Paedamin(R), group 2 (n = 9) received Vaminolac(R). Results: There was no statistically significant influence of the amino acid solution on the development of cholestasis. However, the majority of the children with cholestasis (8 of 11) presented with sepsis. Conclusion: Bacteria l infections seem to be closely related to the development of cholesta sis. Sludge formation within the bile ducts represents a sensitive son ographic parameter for the diagnosis and follow-up of cholestasis seco ndary to total parenteral nutrition.