Abdullahi A., 1

Abdullahi Abdullahi is a 14-day-old male diagnosed with enterocolitis. He is the second child in a family of three. His mother is a single parent who works as a nanny and earns a monthly income of ₦10,000. The family resides in a mud house in Garin Lamido. The child, a 14-day-old male neonate, was initially well until 4 days before presentation when he developed a low-grade, intermittent fever that was temporarily relieved with simple home care measures. Shortly after the onset of fever, vomiting, with abdominal distension and frequent loose stools. The condition progressively worsened over a few days, with increasing vomiting episodes, abdominal swelling, and diarrhea, prompting hospital presentation. On examination, he appeared ill, lethargic, and irritable with signs consistent with intestinal involvement. He was diagnosed with enterocolitis and has since been admitted for management.

The child was admitted and placed on supportive care, including intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and correct any fluid imbalance. Feeding was temporarily adjusted, and medications were given to control infection, reduce vomiting, and support intestinal recovery. Close monitoring of vital signs and abdominal status was maintained. Outcome: The child is responding to treatment, with stabilization of symptoms and gradual improvement, though still under close medical observation.

Abdullahi is having acute enterocolitis caused by gastrointestinal infection and has been aggravated by feeding practices (formula feeding with increased volume) and the immaturity of the neonatal gut. The presence of fever, projectile vomiting, abdominal distension, and diarrhea indicates active intestinal inflammation requiring close monitoring to prevent complications such as dehydration, sepsis, or intestinal obstruction, toxic megacolon, or bowel perforation. The prognosis is guarded but favorable if prompt and appropriate treatment is maintained. With early hospital treatment, the child is expected to improve gradually but if left untreated, enterocolitis can rapidly lead to life-threatening complications.