Cardiac tamponade following umbilical vein catheterisation in a neonate.
Umbilical vein catheterisation (UVC) should not routinely be used in the neonatal intensive care unit, and when it is used special precautions should be taken and guidelines followed. We present an unusual complication which occurred following use of an umbilical vein catheter in a term neonate. This case highlights another potentially lethal complication of UVC, and emphasises the risks associated with the procedure. In order for the benefits of UVC to outweigh the risks, certain guidelines are reviewed. The importance of confirming the position of the catheter tip with both anteroposterior and lateral radiographs is emphasised.
Van Niekerk
M
M
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Stellenbosch, W. Cape.
Kalis
N N
NN
Van der Merwe
P L
PL
D002305:Cardiac Tamponade / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D004452:Echocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography; D014471:Umbilical Veins