Infected subgaleal hematoma in a 4-month-old girl

Subgaleal hematoma is an uncommon, but potential sequela of birth trauma and instrument-assisted delivery of neonates, as well as head trauma in young children. A rare complication is an infection of the subgaleal hematoma, which typically happens due to concomitant scalp lacerations. Escherichia coli is the most common causative pathogen in peripartum cases, and Staphylococcus aureus predominates in trauma cases. An even more rare complication is infection of the hematoma with intact overlying skin, the proposed mechanism of action of which is a hematogenous spread of the bacteria.
Source: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Source Type: research