Pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade as complications of neonatal long lines: are they really a problem?
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the frequency of pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade associated with the use of neonatal percutaneous long lines (PLLs) over the past five years.


METHODS
A retrospective nationwide postal survey, of all neonatal and special care units in the United Kingdom.


RESULTS
Eighty two cases of pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade were reported from the five year period, during which we estimate that 46 000 PLLs were inserted. The calculated frequency of pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade occurring with PLLs was 1.8/1000 lines. There were 30 deaths, giving a fatality rate after pericardial effusion of 0.7/1000 lines.


CONCLUSIONS
Pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade is a serious but infrequent complication of PLL use.
Beardsall
K
K
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Rosie Maternity, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK. k.beardsall@btinternet.com
White
D K
DK
Pinto
E M
EM
Kelsall
A W R
AW
D002305:Cardiac Tamponade / Q000209:etiology*; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000379:methods*; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total / Q000379:methods*; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000209:etiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012306:Risk; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires