Cerebrospinal fluid leak in a premature neonate

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cranial leaks in neonates are rare, and only four case reports have been published previously. Two of the previous cases were also in preterm newborns delivered at 30 weeks gestation. We present a case of CSF leak in a premature neonate delivered at 30 weeks gestation. Our approach to treatment was different from that previously described. After the initial treatment with local packing bandage failed to stop CSF leakage, local exploration with wound suturing was done, with resultant ceasing of leakage within 12 hours of birth. This case presents a rare complication of CSF leakage caused by internal scalp monitoring. This complication seems to be more frequent in premature babies, thus special consideration should be taken in premature infants before applying such monitoring.