Umbilical Venous Catheterization in a Neonate Causing Pleural Effusion
Suresh Kotinatot1, Devendrasing Jadhav1, Ahmed Elajab1
1Department of Neonatology, Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital, Dubai, UAE.
Neonatal pleural effusion is a rare complication of umbilical venous catheterization. Prompt intervention, including catheter removal and drainage, can resolve respiratory distress caused by total parenteral nutrition in the pleural space.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Umbilical venous catheterization (UVC) is a common neonatal procedure.
- Complications, though rare, can be severe, necessitating prompt recognition and management.
- Pleural effusion is an exceptionally uncommon sequela of UVC.
Observation:
- A term newborn developed respiratory distress post-UVC insertion and initiation of total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
- Diagnostic imaging (X-ray and ultrasound) confirmed right-sided pleural effusion.
- Intercostal drainage was performed for therapeutic intervention.
Findings:
- Analysis of the aspirated pleural fluid revealed it to be TPN.
- The pleural effusion was directly attributed to the UVC and TPN administration.
- Resolution of the effusion occurred following UVC removal.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering pleural effusion in neonates with respiratory distress after UVC.
- Timely diagnosis and management, including UVC removal, are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Awareness of this rare complication can guide clinical practice and prevent delayed treatment.
More Related Videos
08:58Development of a Neonatal Piglet Acute Lung Injury Model Recreating the Early Environment of Preterm Infant Lungs
Published on: October 31, 2025
11:27A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
Published on: April 7, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
Fetal Circulation
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management
