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The table provides a comprehensive summary of pediatric umbilical hernias, detailing their presentation, incidence, causes, associated conditions, differential diagnosis, and management. It emphasizes that while umbilical hernias are common in early infancy, most cases resolve spontaneously without requiring surgical intervention, and severe complications are rare. Traditional dressings for the hernia are discouraged due to potential harm.
| Topic | Information |
|---|---|
| Presentation | Bulge at the site of the umbilicus, commonly found during routine well-baby visits. |
| Incidence | In the U.S., around 800,000 infants are affected annually. The incidence varies with ethnicity: black children have an 8-fold higher occurrence (25%) compared to white children (3%), with variations based on gestational age and depth of African ancestry. Despite this high incidence, over 85% will spontaneously close by age 4 or 5 |
| Why It Happens | Failures in the normal closure and regression processes of the umbilicus, such as the non-oblitiration of the umbilical ring post umbilical cord separation, can lead to umbilical hernias. The umbilicus is a weaker point in the abdominal wall, making it susceptible to herniation due to increased intra-abdominal pressure. |
| Associated Conditions | Umbilical hernias can be seen in healthy infants, but are also linked with: preterm births, common autosomal trisomies (like Trisomy 21 and... |
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