Suggest Treatment For Fluid Build Up In Abdomen Of 2 Year Old

Posted on Sat, 4 Oct 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 4 Oct 2014 Answered on

Mon, 27 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : 2year old with fluid build up in the abdomen only.. all blood work came back normal, 4 ultra sounds normal, liver, kidney work up all normal. two days in hosp they said they never saw this and they have no idea what it could be... they wanted him to stay a few more days for more testing like to take some of the fluid to be tested,, when I asked what they could be looking for they said they don't know . Needless to say I took him home im now looking for a second opinion and he is perfectly healthy ,eats, play, pee, poop ,all normal I cant see exposing him to cat scans and sedation that could be harmful to him to look for something that he has had since birth,

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I have a few questions

Detailed Answer:
I have a few questions for you -
1. What was birth weight and present weight?
2. In the newborn period did he have any infection of the umbilical cord?
3. How long has it been like this and is it gradually increasing?
4. Was there any fever or fluid accumulation in other parts of body like lungs?
5. Was there any rash before all this started?

Possibilities -
1. Extra hepatic portal venous obstruction
2. Portal hypertension

Get back to me with answers please.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (18 minutes later)

#1- birth 9lb13oz... #2- no early infections #3 - his stomach has always been extended since birth. #4- NO FEVER NO FLUID ANY WHERE ELSE NO FLUID IN LUNGS..compartmentall in stomach only is the fluid. #5- no rash just a routine check up.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Looks like a congenital problem

Detailed Answer:
Hi...this looks like a congenital problem... But not able to deduce what it is at this juncture. But I have a few suggestions for you.
1. A well growing developmentally normal kid is unless otherwise proven a well kid. He is unlikely to have any major problem.
2. Sometimes well being can be deceptive. So its always better to rule out if there are lurking dangers. If everything is fine... You can be rest assured.
3. In such scenarios clinical examination directly is of paramount importance.

I suggest you to have a second opinion at any teaching hospital or medical college hospital or institute near to you.

Regards - Dr.Sumanth

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar