A CASE OF HAIR THREAD TOURNIQUET SYNDROME OF THE TOE IN A MALE NEWBORN

Hair-thread Tourniquet Syndrome (HTTS), despite being widely reported, is often not well recognized. It is a rare surgical emergency. This syndrome involves the external, mechanical, circumferential constriction of an appendage by human hair, typically a digit, leading to a condition similar to compartment syndrome. If not treated promptly, it can lead to prolonged ischemia, potentially causing tissue necrosis or autoamputation of the affected digit. Herein, we report a four-day-old newborn from a low socioeconomic background was admitted with fever and feeding refusal. Clinical examination revealed a swollen and red big 4thtoe with a hair-thread tourniquet. No signs of toe ischemia were noted. A diagnosis of maternal-fetal infection with a meningeal focus was made, along with toe tourniquet syndrome. Radiography showed no bone lesion. The patient was treated with antibiotics and a healing cream.