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Forwarded message:
Subj:    Blood in baby's stools
Date:    95-09-05 13:20:00 EDT
From:    InNYfromOZ
To:      [log in to unmask]

Hi Lactnetters !

I was away for most of August (missed Lactnet terribly) and have been lurking
since I returned,feeling rather dazzled by the wealth of new and famous
subscribers. It's exciting to be in the midst of all this intellectual
richness !

I need some input on the following case:

Baby is three and a half months, weighs15 lbs 6 oz (birthweight 8.9) and has
been off the breast for the past five days (on Alimentum) because of blood in
her stools. Mother reports no problems with breastfeeding other than baby has
been gassy with mucousy  greenish stools since birth, and bowel movements
were often explosive. No odor reported. Baby has been fully breastfed except
for 24 hours of formula on day five when bilirubin was 15.
 At two months, baby had severe reaction five hours after her DPT shot
(swollen leg, inconsolable crying, and mini-seizures). Two days later, mother
noticed blood in the stool. One week after that, baby developed oral thrush
and yeast diaper rash which has not cleared despite three rounds of nystatin
drops and cream. Mother has been using nystatin cream on her nipples. No
previous history of yeast infections in mother or baby. Mother had
antibiotics at delivery.
     Starting August 25th, mother eliminated most milk products from her diet
for one week; blood in stools continued. Ped. referred her to a
gastro-enterologist on September 1 who put baby on Alimentum. Mother is
pumping to maintain supply but tearful and upset about baby being off the
breast. She nursed her first child for one year, no problems.
  After almost five days on Alimentum, there's still blood in the stool,
however it is less mucousy. The gastro-enterologist  wants to do a biopsy to
rule out Hirshprung's disease.  Parents are unwilling to subject baby to this
invasive procedure (felt the rectal exam was bad enough). Mother is willing
to modify her diet further to determine if food allergy is the culprit.
      Mother has no allergies. Father is lactose intolerant (gassy when
drinks milk products). First child suffered multiple ear infections and a
severe reaction to a sulfa drug - was hospitalized- at 5 months.
    Baby looked extremely pale. Mother said that since starting Alimentum,
baby has dark circles under her eyes.
    I've discussed a dietary regimen which excludes anything with milk
products including bread - mother eats up to 8 slices a day - and need to
maintain diet for at least two weeks. Mother has also discontinued her
pre-natal vitamins.
    Is there any connection between the DPT shot and the appearance of blood
in the stools and thrush in baby's mouth ? I'd appreciate any thoughts you
all have.

Thanks !

Beverley Rae, MSW CSW IBCLC
Manhasset, NY
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