Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
Published on: April 7, 2023
Hydropericardium causing sudden infant death in glycogenosis type I: osmotic injury due to percutaneous silastic
P Mueller1, L C Horn, P Buehrdel
1HELIOS Hospital Leisnig, Department of Pediatrics. pmueller@leisnig.helios-kliniken.de
Insights
Peripheral silastic catheters pose risks for infants. A rare complication, hydropericardium with tamponade, led to sudden infant death in a 9-month-old, highlighting potential dangers.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Medical Device Safety
Background:
- Investigating the risks associated with peripheral silastic catheters in neonates and infants.
- Reviewing literature to identify potential complications in preterm and term infants.
Observation:
- A case report of a 9-month-old female infant with glycogenosis type I a.
- The infant experienced sudden death due to hydropericardium with tamponade, a rare catheter complication.
Findings:
- The fatal complication is hypothesized to result from local osmotic imbalance due to catheter tip contact with the atrial wall.
- No established link exists between inborn errors of metabolism and increased incidence of catheter complications.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical need for vigilance regarding peripheral silastic catheter use in pediatric patients.
- Underscores the potential for rare but severe complications, even without perforation.
- Emphasizes the importance of careful catheter placement and monitoring in neonates and infants.
Background:
The aim of this case report and the review of the literature is to demonstrate dangers when using peripherial silastic catheters in preterm and term newborns or infants.
Patient, Methods And Results:
We report on a female infant with glycogenosis type I a (MIM 232200) due to glucose 6-phosphatase deficiency (homozygosity for R170X) and sudden infant death at the age of 9 months due to a rare catheter complication (hydropericardium with tamponade without perforation).
Conclusion:
We believe that this fatal complication was caused by local osmotic dysbalance due to direct contacts between atrial wall and the catheter tip. There is no relation known between patients with inborn errors of metabolism complicated by metabolic derangement and higher incidences of mechanical or non-mechanical catheter complications.
Related Concept Videos
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Pericarditis I: Introduction
Cytotoxic Edema: Pathophysiology
Pulmonary Edema II: Pathophysiology
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

