Pyloric Stenosis

Basics

Description

  • Postnatal hypertrophy of the circular smooth muscle of the pylorus valve and antrum leading to progressive gastric outlet obstruction
  • Usually presents at 2–6 wk of age; rarely after 12 wk
  • Most common cause of GI obstruction in infants; incidence: 1–3.5/1000 live births
  • Males affected 5× more than females; 1st born most common

Etiology

  • Exact etiology unknown
  • Familial aggregation noted:
    • Child of affected parent has 7% incidence
    • Recurrence risk in subsequent male children is 10%; 2% in females
  • Use of erythromycin and azithromycin in infants during 1st 2 wk of life may increase risk
  • Maternal smoking and formula feeding may also increase risk
  • Adults: Caused by peptic ulcer disease

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