P15.1: Birth injury to spleen
The spleen is on the top left side of the abdomen. Old blood cells are broken down in the spleen. Furthermore, defense cells are stored. If the defense cells are needed, they are then released from the spleen into the blood.
There are different reasons why the child’s spleen may get damaged. The spleen can get injured if there are difficulties with the birth and pressure is exerted on the child's abdomen. A spleen injury can also occur when there are no difficulties with the birth. Spleen injuries can also occur if the spleen was already diseased or enlarged before the birth.
If a tear occurs in the spleen, blood can collect in the tissue. This is then called a hematoma. There are a variety of indications of a spleen injury. There may be vomiting. The vomit may look dark and crumbly. If there is bleeding from the spleen into the abdomen, the heart rate and breathing might be very fast. The child may also be pale. The legs and arms may also feel cold or look blotchy.
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