Lactobezoars: A Patient Series and Literature Review

• Published in: Clinical Pediatrics Vol. 40; no. 11; pp. 603 - 606
• Main Authors: DuBose V, Theodore M., Southgate, W. Michael, Hill, Jeanne G.
• Format: Book Review Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 708 Glen Cove Avenue, Glen Head, NY 11545 SAGE Publications 01.11.2001; Westminster; Sage Publications, Inc; Westminster Publications, Inc
• Subjects: Analysis; Babies; Bezoar; Bezoars - complications; Bezoars - diagnosis; Bezoars - etiology; Biological and medical sciences; Child, Preschool; Digestive system; Gastric Outlet Obstruction - etiology; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Gastrointestinal system; Humans; Infant; Infant Food - adverse effects; Infant, Newborn; Male; Medical disorders; Medical sciences; Milk; Milk, Human; Motility; Other diseases. Semiology; Pediatrics; Stomach; Stomach. Duodenum. Small intestine. Colon. Rectum. Anus; United States; Human; Case study; Bezoar; Treatment; Etiology; Digestive diseases; Infant; Foreign body; Diagnosis; Child; Bibliographic review; Milk
• ISSN: 0009-9228; 1938-2707
• DOI: 10.1177/000992280104001104

Lactobezoar is a compact mass of undigested milk concretions located within the gastrointestinal tract. Most often found in infants, they can precipitate gastric outlet obstruction, mimicking a variety of medical and surgical conditions. A common etiology and method of cure have yet to be elucidated. A review of the literature provides some insight into causes, clinical presentations, diagnosis, and management. Data from the Medical University of South Carolina further help dispel the belief that lactobezoars are isolated to pre-term infants on caloric-dense formulas. Findings suggest bezoar formation may be more common than previously thought and a high index of suspicion could help avoid costly evaluations for obstructive symptoms.