Vascular air embolism: a rare complication of nasal CPAP.
A preterm infant developed bilateral tension pneumothoraces and extensive vascular air embolism 6 h after being commenced on nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Neonatal clinicians should be aware that catastrophic vascular air embolism could occur in infants receiving nasal CPAP, a modality of respiratory support conventionally considered non-invasive and 'safe'.
Wong
W
W
Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Fok
T F
TF
Ng
P C
PC
Chui
K M
KM
To
K F
KF
D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000209:etiology*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D008297:Male; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000209:etiology*; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000628:therapy*