NEONATAL ADRENAL HEMORRHAGE: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 16 CASES

Background: Neonatal adrenal hemorrhage is a rare but potentially severe condition of the neonatal period, whose true incidence is likely underestimated because many cases are asymptomatic. Objective: To describe the epidemiological, clinical, biological, sonographic, therapeutic and outcome characteristics of neonatal adrenal hemorrhage. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted in the Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Hassan II University Hospital, Fez, including all neonates diagnosed with adrenal hemorrhage on renal ultrasound between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2017. Results: Sixteen cases were identified among 7610 admissions (incidence 2/1000). Male predominance was noted (62.5%). Fundal pressure during delivery was reported in 87.5% of vaginal deliveries. The main admission diagnoses were perinatal asphyxia and jaundice (31.25% each). Jaundice (56.25%), abdominal mass (50%) and hypotonia (56.25%) were the leading clinical signs. Anemia was found in 37.5% and severe hyperbilirubinemia in 18.75%. Abdominal ultrasound showed right - sided hemorrhage in 50%, left - sided in 31.25%, and bilateral in 18.75%, with lesion size ranging from 17 to 50 mm.