Nasolabial and distal limbs dry gangrene in newborn due to hypernatremic dehydration with disseminated intravascular coagulation: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Gangrene is the death of an organ or tissue due to lack of blood supply or bacterial infection. In neonates, gangrene is usually caused by sepsis, dehydration, maternal diabetes, asphyxia, or congenital anticoagulant deficiency. It commonly occurs in the extremities. Gangrene may lead to death or amputation of the limb. Early diagnosis and prompt management of the underlying cause halts the progression of the disease. CASE PRESENTATION: A 12-day-old neonate presented with a complaint of black discoloration of the nose and feet for 2 days. He was breastfeeding poorly and had signs of dehydration. Upon physical examination, he was tachycardic (pulse rate = 182 beats per minute), tachypneic (respiratory rate = 62 breaths per minute), and hypothermic (temperature = 35.0 oC). He lost 33.3% of his birth weight. He had demarcated cold, dry, and dark discoloration of the entire nose, nasal septum; upper lip; palate; bilateral distal lower limbs; and the left fifth finger. Dorsalis pedis arteries were not palpable on either side. On investigation, the baby had pancytopenia, hypernatremia, elevated creatinine, elevated coagulation profiles, and absent arterial flow in bilateral dorsal pedis arteries. He was treated for hypernatremic dehydration and possible sepsis. He was transfused with whole blood, platelets, and fresh frozen plasma, but finally, the patient passed away on the 7th day of admission. CONCLUSION: The entire nose, upper lip, soft and hard palate, symmetric lower limb, and fifth finger gangrene due to severe hypernatremic dehydration complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation may occur in the same patient. To avoid such serious neonatal problems, mothers should be properly educated about optimal breastfeeding techniques and schedule well-child visits 3–5 days after birth.