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  • Perinatal/Neonatal Case Presentation
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Perinatal/Neonatal Case Presentation

Cortical Hyperostosis in an Infant on Prolonged Prostaglandin Infusion: Case Report and Literature Review

Journal of Perinatology volume 24, pages 263–265 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

The common side effects associated with the use of prostaglandins in newborn infants include apnoea, hyperthermia, diarrhoea, skin flushing and oedema. Periosteal reaction or cortical thickening of the bones, also known as cortical hyperostosis, is associated with a prolonged use of prostaglandins. This is a radiological diagnosis; therefore, its occurrence is most likely underestimated. We describe an infant who developed cortical hyperostosis simulating osteomyelitis with elevated alkaline phosphatase. The radiologic changes were initially attributed to congenital syphilis. This occurred after a prolonged infusion of prostaglandin E1 for a cyanotic congenital heart disease.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Paediatrics, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

    Sithembiso Velaphi MBChB, Antoinette Cilliers MBBCh, Elaine Beckh-Arnold MBBCh, Mantoa Mokhachane MBBCh, Ramatsimele Mphahlele MBBCh & John Pettifor MBBCh, PhD

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  1. Sithembiso Velaphi MBChB
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  2. Antoinette Cilliers MBBCh
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  3. Elaine Beckh-Arnold MBBCh
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  4. Mantoa Mokhachane MBBCh
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  5. Ramatsimele Mphahlele MBBCh
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  6. John Pettifor MBBCh, PhD
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Velaphi, S., Cilliers, A., Beckh-Arnold, E. et al. Cortical Hyperostosis in an Infant on Prolonged Prostaglandin Infusion: Case Report and Literature Review. J Perinatol 24, 263–265 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211050

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