[Cholestasis syndrome in newborn infants: value of gallbladder ultrasound].

PURPOSE: Evaluation of sonography in the assessment of changes of the biliary system of newborn infants receiving total parenteral nutrition. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 20 premature infants on mechanical ventilation, the influence of two different amino acid solutions (Vaminolac, Paedamin) in the development of neonatal cholestasis was analysed. The patients were randomised in two groups. Group 1 (n = 11) received Paedamin, group 2 (n = 9) received Vaminolac. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant influence of the amino acid solution on the development of cholestasis. However, the majority of the children with cholestasis (8 of 11) presented with sepsis. CONCLUSION: Bacterial infections seem to be closely related to the development of cholestasis. Sludge formation within the bile ducts represents a sensitive sonographic parameter for the diagnosis and follow-up of cholestasis secondary to total parenteral nutrition.