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Published on: April 7, 2023
[A clinical analysis of pericardial effusion caused by central venous catheterization in preterm infants]
Ya-Hui Zhang1, Yun-Feng Liu1, Xiao-Mei Tong1
1Department of Pediatrics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.
Insights
Pericardial effusion in preterm infants linked to central venous catheters often appears early. Prompt diagnosis and intervention, including pericardiocentesis for tamponade, improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Medical Device Complications
Background:
- Central venous catheterization is a common procedure in preterm infants.
- Complications such as pericardial effusion can arise from central venous catheter placement.
- Understanding these complications is crucial for neonatal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical features of pericardial effusion in preterm infants resulting from central venous catheterization.
- To analyze the relationship between catheter characteristics, clinical presentation, and patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 11 preterm infants diagnosed with pericardial effusion post-central venous catheterization.
- Evaluation of catheterization details, clinical signs, management strategies, and prognosis.
Main Results:
- Pericardial effusion occurred in 0.42% of preterm infants (11/2599) within 4 days of catheterization.
- Common symptoms included cardiorespiratory distress and poor response; 45% developed cardiac tamponade.
- Catheter tip malposition was noted in most cases; 82% of infants improved with treatment.
Conclusions:
- Central venous catheter-associated pericardial effusion in neonates presents early with significant clinical manifestations.
- Pericardiocentesis is vital for managing cardiac tamponade.
- Early detection and intervention are key to improving survival rates.
Objective:
To study the clinical features of pericardial effusion caused by central venous catheterization in preterm infants.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was performed on 11 preterm infants with pericardial effusion caused by central venous catheterization. Their catheterization features, manifestations, treatment, and prognosis were analyzed.
Results:
A total of 11 preterm infants (11/2 599, 0.42%) developed pericardial effusion, with a mean gestational age of (30.1±2.6) weeks and a mean birth weight of (1 240±234) g. Pericardial effusion mostly occurred within 4 days after central venous catheterization (10 cases, 91%). The main manifestations included poor response (6/11, 55%), cyanosis (5/11, 45%), increased respiratory rate (6/11, 55%), increased heart rate (6/11, 55%), aggravated dyspnea (5/11, 45%), and muffled heart sound (5/11, 45%). At the time of disease progression, 7 preterm infants (64%) had a deep position of the end of the catheter, 3 preterm infants (27%) had a correct position, and 1 preterm infant (9%) had a shallow position. Five preterm infants (45%) experienced cardiac tamponade, among whom 4 underwent pericardiocentesis. Seven preterm infants were given conservative medical treatment. Among the 11 children, 2 (18%) died and 9 (82%) improved.
Conclusions:
Pericardial effusion caused by central venous catheterization mostly occurs in the early stage of catheterization and has critical clinical manifestations. Pericardiocentesis is required for cardiac tamponade, and early diagnosis and intervention can effectively improve prognosis.
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