Necrotising entero-colitis following umbilical vein catheterisation.
Fifteen cases of neonatal necrotising entero-colitis (NEC) following umbilical vein catheterisation are reported. Their clinical and radiological features are briefly described and the proper course of a catheter through the umbilical vein--ductus venosus--inferior vena cava segment is demonstrated. The significance of mal-position of the catheter and its association with NEC is discussed. It is suggested that the abdominal radiographs be taken in the antero-posterior and lateral projections with a portable X-ray machine to check the position of the radio-opaque catheter prior to the commencement of transfusion of infusion.
D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D004761:Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis; D011859:Radiography; D014471:Umbilical Veins