What does a positive occult blood test in newborn stool mean?

Under normal circumstances, a positive fecal occult blood test in newborns may be caused by maternal nipple fissures, food protein intolerance, neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis, bacterial enteritis, or intestinal polyps. If any discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Maternal Nipple Fissures

When a mother's nipples are cracked and bleeding, the newborn may ingest blood during breastfeeding, leading to a positive fecal occult blood result. The mother can apply lanolin ointment to promote healing of the nipples. During feeding, ensure the baby takes the areola into the mouth to reduce irritation. In cases of severe bleeding, direct breastfeeding should be temporarily stopped; use a breast pump to express milk for feeding instead.

2. Food Protein Intolerance

The mucous membrane of a newborn’s intestine is delicate and may be sensitive to cow's milk protein or proteins present in breast milk, which can cause intestinal mucosal damage and bleeding. Breastfeeding mothers should avoid common allergenic foods such as cow's milk and eggs. For formula-fed infants, switch to an extensively hydrolyzed protein formula and monitor changes in stool.

3. Bacterial Enteritis

Pathogenic bacteria invade the intestinal mucosa, causing congestion, erosion, and bleeding, often accompanied by diarrhea and fever. Under medical guidance, treatments may include ceftriaxone sodium for injection, amoxicillin sodium and clavulanate potassium for injection, and montmorillonite powder. Oral rehydration salts should also be administered to prevent dehydration.

4. Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Intestinal ischemia and hypoxia lead to mucosal necrosis and bleeding, accompanied by abdominal distension and vomiting. Immediate fasting is required. Under medical supervision, treatment may include piperacillin sodium and tazobactam sodium for injection, metronidazole for injection, and intravenous nutritional support. In severe cases, surgical resection of the affected bowel segment may be necessary.

5. Intestinal Polyps

Bleeding from the surface of an intestinal polyp can result in a positive occult blood test in the stool, occasionally accompanied by abdominal pain. Under medical guidance, thrombin lyophilized powder may be used to control bleeding. When necessary, endoscopic polypectomy should be performed. Postoperative monitoring of stool characteristics is important.

In daily care, mothers should maintain a light diet and feed on demand to avoid overfeeding; keep feeding equipment clean and provide proper diaper area care for the newborn; closely observe stool color and the infant’s mental status, and seek medical attention promptly if abnormalities occur.