• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.89-92
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• 2008

A subcapsular liver hematoma (SLH) is a relatively common lesion in fetuses and neonates. Although an SLH ruptures rarely, it may be life threatening. We report on a term neonate with a delayed rupture of an SLH that occurred on day 7 of life. The infant had been resuscitated with intubation, positive pressure ventilation, and chest compression at birth because of meconium-associated perinatal depression. The SLH was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography and paracentesis, and the ruptured SLH was treated operatively. After intensive medical and surgical management, the infant was discharged healthy on day 27 of life. A newborn infant presenting with the sudden onset of extreme shock and pallor associated with abdominal distension should undergo differential diagnosis for SLH and a clinical evaluation concurrent with fluid resuscitation and timely surgery.