[Use of hypertonic solutions through umbilical cord vessels]

The authors report on a newborn with skin necroses and fibularis paresis after postnatal administration of NaHCO3 via the umbilical cord. Then some problems of postnatal buffer therapy are discussed. After a review of advantages and disadvantages of puncture or cannulation of the umbilical vein on the one hand and its catheterization on the other, the former procedures are preferred for an effective buffer therapy, provided strict indications are followed.