Air embolism in the newborn: rare complication of intensive care therapy in children.
Systemic air embolism in neonates, either premature or full term, necessitating mechanical ventilation is a devastating and usually fatal condition. We describe three cases of this complication, two in mechanically assisted preterm babies, and one in a full-term dysmorphic patient. Causes and possible management are described.
Beluffi
Giampiero
G
Sezione di Radiologia Pediatrica, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy. g.beluffi@smatteo.pv.it
Perotti
Gianfranco
G
D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*