Cardiac tamponade in a newborn because of umbilical venous catheterization: is correct position safe?

Aetiological distribution and clinical features in children with large pericardial effusion who underwent pericardiocentesis

BACKGROUND

We aimed to evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics and aetiological factors of patients who underwent pericardiocentesis for moderate to large pericardial effusion.

METHOD

A total of 38 patients who underwent pericardiocentesis due to moderate-severe pericardial effusion and not related to cardiac surgery were included in the study.

RESULTS

The male-to-female ratio was 2.16, and found to be 7.5 in patients over 3 years of age. Mean age and body weight of the patients were 69.4 ± 74.9 months and 22.5 ± 22.4 kg. Dyspnoea (51.7%) was the most common complaint, followed by chest pain (37.9%). Tamponade was present in 23.7% of the patients. The largest diameter of effusion was 24.4 ± 10.4 mm. The amount of fluid drained was 279.24 ± 279 ml. Macroscopic appearance was serous in 12 (34.3%), and haemorrhagic in 18 (51.4%). No complication related to procedure was seen. Aetiology for efusion was infectious in 26%, idiopathic in 18%, iatrogenic in 11%, rheumatological in 11%, malignancy in 8%, cardiomyopathy in 8%, and other factors related in 18%. Of the 38 patients, 16 received nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), and colchicine and corticostreoid were added in nine and two patients, respectively. A total of eight (21%) patients died during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, percutaneous pericardiocentesis can be applied safely and the underlying aetiology is decisive in the prognosis of the patient. Although pericardial effusion in children is often due to inflammation of the pericardium, it can develop as a finding of many local or systemic diseases that should be kept in mind.

Umbilical Venous Catheter Position: The Value of Acquiring a Lateral in Addition to a Frontal Chest Radiograph

Introduction Umbilical venous catheters (UVCs) are standardly used for central venous access in acutely sick neonates. Complications associated with UVCs include thrombosis, infection, diffuse intravascular coagulopathy, arrhythmia, tamponade, and liver injury, many of which are related to misplacement of the catheters. Therefore, this study aimed to institute a policy of obtaining lateral and frontal radiographs to improve the determination of the UVC position. Methods We retrospectively reviewed UVC placement from 132 radiographs. We compared interpretations by different reviewers of frontal versus frontal and lateral chest radiographs for the most accurate determination of the UVC position. The reviewers completed questionnaires indicating their assessment of the catheter tip position, as well as the appropriate catheter manipulation required for optimal positioning. Their assessment was derived from frontal chest radiographs followed by frontal plus lateral view radiographs a week later. Results The reviewers (junior neonatology fellow, senior neonatology fellow, pediatric radiology fellow, and senior pediatric radiologist) revised their assessment with regard to the UVC positioning between frontal and frontal plus lateral radiographs in 24.6%, 22.7%, 19.6%, and 15.9% of cases, respectively, and indicated that the lateral view was helpful in 18%, 13.6%, 19.6%, and 31% of the cases, respectively. UVCs were placed appropriately at the first attempt in only 13.6% of the cases. Conclusion Correct initial placement of a UVC is uncommon. A lateral radiograph is beneficial in determining the UVC position. Hence, we suggest the inclusion of a lateral view along with the frontal chest radiograph for the evaluation of the UVC position if real-time ultrasound cannot be performed before UVC usage.

The incidence of pericardial effusion requiring intervention in infants with a history of umbilical catheter placement: the US national database

OBJECTIVES

To assess the association of umbilical catheters (UC) placement with pericardial effusion (PCE) in newborn infants.

STUDY DESIGN

We analyzed the National Inpatient Sample dataset. We compared prevalence of PCE in infants with UC versus those without in three subpopulations: infants with birth weight (BW) > 2500 g or GA > 34 weeks, preterm infants with BW < 1500 g, and term infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) using regression analysis methods while controlling for clinical and demographic variables.

RESULT

First analysis included a weighted sample of 22,751,313 infants with no hydrops fetalis. Of them, 1869 neonates (0.01%) had PCE. Pericardial effusion was found in 0.17% of infants with only UAC, 0.21% of infants with only UVC and 0.29% of infants with both catheters with an adjusted odds ratios (aOR) (1.5, CI:1.2-1.9), (2.3, CI:1.7-2.9), and (2.9, CI:2.4-3.6), p < 0.001, respectively. Similar findings were found in infants <1500 g and in those with CHD.

CONCLUSION

Umbilical Catheter placement is associated with increased risk for pericardial effusion.

Bin Mahmoud L, AlHemiad M, Almuhaini M, Huseynov O. Early pericardial effusion as complication of umbilical venous catheter insertion in extreme preterm baby: A case report

Reminder essential clinical practice: Pericardial effusion is a rare fatal condition, however potentially reversible when grasped in time. It should always be thought out in neonate with a central line who develops unexplained cardiorespiratory failure.

Pleural and Pericardiac Effusion as a Complication of Properly Placed Umbilical Venous Catheter

Pleural and pericardial effusions are extremely rare complications of umbilical venous catheterization in newborns. A preterm male infant weighing 850g, with insertion of an umbilical venous catheter (UVC) developed massive right pleural and pericardial effusions. The position of catheter tip was verified by chest radiography and echocardiography. The effusions were drained by thoracentesis and pericardiocentesis without complication, and were biochemically similar as total parenteral infusion which infused through catheter.

Infantile Systemic Hyalinosis Complicated with Right Atrial Thrombus and Pericardial Effusion in an Infant

Infantile systemic hyalinosis (ISH) is a rare multisystem fatal autosomal recessive disorder that involves widespread deposition of hyaline on connective tissues and certain internal organs. The major manifestations include painful articular contractures, hyperpigmentation, subcutaneous nodules, gingival hypertrophy, failure to thrive secondary to protein-losing enteropathy, and osteolytic bone lesions. In this paper, we report a 12-month-old girl with ISH presenting with recurrent diarrhea, failure to thrive, and refractory infections. A molecular study identified a homozygous missense mutation, c.134T > C; p.L45P, in exon 1 of the anthrax toxin receptor 2 (ANTRX2) gene. Our patient passed through an eventful course that included septic shock, central line infections, right atrial thrombosis, and pericardial effusion. She incurred acute bronchiolitis due to respiratory syncytial virus infection, which led to her death. In conclusion, this case report highlights that severe and life-threatening morbidities and complications can be encountered in ISH, to which some management options can be applied.

Pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade following percutaneously inserted central line insertion in an extremely low-birth-weight baby: Case report and successful management

Pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade are rare complications of percutaneously inserted central lines (PICLs), in extremely low-birth-weight babies. This particular complication carries a high degree of mortality, if not suspected and diagnosed. Bedside echocardiography proves not only diagnostic but also can be lifesaving in these conditions. Here, we wish to report such a baby who suddenly deteriorated and showed cardiovascular instability 2 days after the insertion of PICL. Immediate bedside echocardiography helped pick up the effusion which was drained using a subxiphoid percutaneous approach.

Pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade caused by a central venous catheter in a very low birth weight infant

With more and more extreme premature and very low-birth weight babies being resuscitated, umbilical central venous catheterisation is now being used more frequently in neonatal intensive care. One of the life-threatening complications is pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade; however, it is potentially reversible when it is caught in time. The authors present a case of cardiac tamponade following umbilical venous catheterisation in a neonate. The patient was diagnosed at the appropriate time by echocardiography and urgent pericardiocentesis proved lifesaving.

Rates of intracardiac umbilical venous catheter placement in neonates

OBJECTIVES

To review umbilical venous catheter (UVC) placement in neonates who underwent targeted neonatal echocardiography (TNE) and to correlate catheter tip placement on TNE and anteroposterior thoracoabdominal radiography.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 51 neonates who had UVC positions assessed by TNE and radiography in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A single operator performed all TNE examinations. The final radiographic catheter placement was taken from the image closest to the time of echocardiography. Fisher exact, χ(2), and t tests were used as appropriate.

RESULTS

Among the 51 neonates who had catheters placed for 24 hours or more, TNE was performed on 48 in the first 48 hours, 2 at day 6, and 1 at day 9. Thirty-six neonates were extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1000 g). Twenty-nine had good catheter tip positions, and 22 had catheters inside the heart (10 in the right atrium [RA], 3 at the foramen ovale, and 9 in the left atrium [LA]). Twenty neonates with catheter tips in the heart were ELBW, including 8 with catheters in the LA. The ELBW neonates were more likely to have catheters in the heart than non-ELBW neonates (20 of 36 versus 2 of 15; P= .01; odds ratio [OR], 8.1; confidence interval [CI], 1.59-41.3). Good placement on TNE varied widely in relation to thoracic vertebral landmarks on radiography: from the T7-8 interspace to T11. When radiography showed a catheter tip at T9-T10, there was no difference in the proportion of neonates with a good catheter position versus malposition (8 of 22 versus 8 of 29; P = .55; OR, 0.67; CI, 0.20-2.19).

CONCLUSIONS

A high proportion of ELBW neonates in a busy NICU had UVCs placed with the tips in the RA or LA despite common placement practices. We recommend adding TNE to radiography to position UVCs, especially in ELBW neonates.

Splenic Abscess: A Rare Complication of the UVC in Newborn

Splenic abscess is one of the rarest complications of the UVC in a newborn and it is hypothesized that it could be due to an infection or trauma caused by a catheter. The case that is being reported presented with abdominal distension and recurrent desaturation with suspicion of neonatal sepsis versus necrotizing enterocolitis. However, the final diagnosis was splenic abscess as a complication of an inappropriate UVC insertion which was discovered by abdominal ultrasound. The patient was given broad spectrum antibiotics empirically and the symptoms were resolved without any surgical intervention. Such cases and controlled studies need to be reported in order to identify further causes and risk factors associated with splenic abscess in a patient with UVC which can eventually help us adopt preventive strategies to avoid such complications.

Defining Central venous Line Position in Children: Tips for the Tip

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse literature related to the position of centrally inserted central venous catheters and to review topics related to assessment of tip position of those catheters in children. Applications of specific techniques to PICCs (Periferally Inserted Central Catheters) and umbilical venous catheter will also be reviewed.

Methods

Analysis of 68 original manuscripts, 42 specifically related to the paediatric population, 26 related to the adult population. The papers analysed were published between 1949 and 2014; all articles were in English except one in Italian and one in German.

Results

From the analysed literature, most of the guidelines recommend tip positioning at a level between the superior vena cava and the right atrium. Several methods have been described to evaluate tip position in the paediatric population, but none of those is considered completely reliable. The standard methods used to identify catheter tip position are radiography and fluoroscopy, but no specific landmark can be recommended in the paediatric population. The ultrasonographic approach has been investigated mainly for PICCs positioning in the neonatal population. The electrocardiographic method has been evaluated in the general paediatric population.

Conclusions

No specific recommendation can be given due to the low level of evidence. Ultrasound and ECG (electrocardiogram) techniques are a potential alternative to chest X-ray and further studies should be implemented to establish them. A wider application of these techniques may reduce neonatal and paediatric exposure to radiations and additionally reduce costs.

Revised formula to determine the insertion length of umbilical vein catheters

The method of Shukla is commonly used to predict the insertion length of umbilical vein catheters (UVCs) but often leads to over-insertion. Malposition of UVCs can lead to complications. In this study, we compared the formula of Shukla, i.e., (3 x birthweight in kg + 9) / 2 + 1 cm with a revised formula, i.e., (3 x birthweight in kg + 9) / 2 cm in determining the insertion length of UVCs. A cohort where the revised formula was used for UVC placement (revised group) was compared with a historical cohort using the conventional formula (Shukla group). We evaluated the position of UVCs stated as the corresponding vertebra level with a radiograph of the infant's chest and abdomen immediately after insertion in both groups. Positioning of the catheter tip above the ninth or below the tenth thoracic vertebra was considered too high or too low, respectively. Median position of 93 UVCs placed according to Shukla was lower (seventh thoracic vertebra, interquartile range (IQR) 6-9) when compared to 92 UVCs placed according to the revised formula (eighth thoracic vertebra (IQR 7-9)). UVCs were more often over-inserted using the Shukla formula (73%) when compared to the revised formula (54%). One UVC in the Shukla group (1%) and two UVCs in the revised group (2%) were placed too low (p = NS).

CONCLUSION

The revised formula reduces the rate of over-insertion of UVCs without increasing the rate of inadequate lower positioning.

Neonatal cardiac tamponade and pleural effusion resolved with chest tube placement

Pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade secondary to umbilical venous catheterization are rare complications but potentially fatal. This article reports a case of cardiac tamponade and right pleural effusion secondary to transudation of hyperosmolar fluid from an appropriately placed umbilical venous catheter. The infant survived as a result of early diagnosis by echocardiography and urgent chest tube placement that drained both pleural and pericardial effusions. Cardiac tamponade should be highly suspected in any neonate with a central venous catheter who develops sudden, unexplained clinical deterioration in cardiopulmonary status even when the line is properly placed, and urgent echocardiography or pericardiocentesis should be considered early in management of such patients. Umbilical venous catheterization should be considered only for a select group of sick neonates due to risks involved with these lines. When an umbilical venous catheter is placed, special precautions should be taken and maintenance guidelines followed.

Central venous catheter-associated pericardial tamponade in a 6-day old: a case report

Introduction. Pericardial effusion (PCE) and tamponade can cause significant morbidity and mortality in neonates. Such cases have been reported in the literature in various contexts. Case Presentation. A 6-day old neonate with meconium aspiration syndrome and persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn on high frequency oscillator ventilation and inhaled nitric oxide was referred to our hospital with a large pericardial effusion causing hemodynamic compromise. Prompt pericardiocentesis led to significant improvement in the cardio-respiratory status and removal of the central line prevented the fluid from reaccumulating. Cellular and biochemical analysis aided in the diagnosis of catheter related etiology with possibility of infusate diffusion into the pericardial space. Conclusion. We present this paper to emphasize the importance of recognizing this uncommon but serious complication of central venous catheters in intensive care units. We also discuss the proposed hypothesis for the mechanism of production of PCE.

Cardiomegaly in a premature neonate after venous umbilical catheterization

Umbilical venous catheters allow rapid central access in neonates, but may be associated with various complications. We present a case of a newborn with pericardial effusion following umbilical venous catheterization. An extremely low birth weight infant was intubated for respiratory distress syndrome and had umbilical venous and arterial lines in place. Massive cardiomegaly was noted on the subsequent chest X-ray. Echocardiography revealed a large pericardial effusion without signs of tamponade. After removing the catheter, the effusion gradually resolved. While pericardial effusion is a well-known complication of percutaneous long central lines, only a few case reports have documented sudden cardiovascular compromise associated with umbilical venous catheters. Pericardial effusion may be asymptomatic and should be suspected in infants with central catheters and progressive cardiomegaly. The prompt removal of catheters and, if signs of cardiac tamponade are present, emergency pericardiocentesis may prove to be life-saving.

Complications of vascular catheters in the neonatal intensive care unit

Insertion of an intravascular catheter is the most common invasive procedure in the neonatal ICU. With every passing decade, technological innovations in catheter materials and sizes have allowed vascular access in infants who are smaller and sicker for purposes of blood pressure monitoring, blood sampling, and infusion of intravenous fluids and medications. There is, however, growing recognition of potential risks to life and limb associated with the use of intravascular catheters. This article reviews complications of venous and arterial catheters in the neonatal ICU and discusses treatment approaches and methods to prevent such complications, based on current evidence.

Pericardial effusion associated with an appropriately placed umbilical venous catheter

Central venous catheterization is widely used in neonatal intensive care units to support tiny preterm babies. Pericardial effusion (PCE) and cardiac tamponade are uncommon but potentially fatal complications of percutaneous, umbilical and surgically placed central venous catheters related to intracardiac position or migration. This report describes a case of PCE arising from fluid infused via umbilical venous catheter. The case study highlights two important aspects: one, occurrence of PCE in a baby with satisfactory position of the umbilical catheter, and second, the life-saving application of basic echocardiography by bedside caregivers for the diagnosis and treatment of this critical condition.

A nurse's guide to early detection of umbilical venous catheter complications in infants

The use of umbilical catheters in the care of critically ill neonates has become standard practice. Both arterial and venous umbilical catheters are a vital component of care, providing a stable route for fluid and medication administration, vascular pressure monitoring, and frequent blood sampling. Although commonplace, umbilical catheters are not without complications. Neonatal caregivers must be aware of and monitor carefully for associated complications. This article, Part 1 of a 2-part series, provides a systematic guide to the physical assessment of infants with umbilical venous catheters with an emphasis on early and ongoing recognition of complications related to this device. Part 2 will focus on umbilical arterial catheters, their use, and assessment of the infant to detect device-specific complications.