Intraperitoneal Extravasation of TPN and Associated Hepatic Hemorrhage as a Complication of a Malpositioned UVC in a...

Extravasation of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) from a malpositioned umbilical venous catheter (UVC) is a rare cause of ascites in neonates. The gross appearance of the aspirated peritoneal fluid may mimic congenital chylous ascites, delaying an accurate diagnosis of the causative source. UVC malpositioning is associated with complications of various organs as related to the position of the UVC tip. TPN from laterally positioned UVC tips may penetrate into the liver and provoke hepatic damage with subsequent peritoneal fluid accumulation. Factors including biochemical characteristics of the peritoneal fluid, radiographic findings with specific attention to the location of the UVC tip, and clinical timing of ascites presentation have been associated with TPN extravasation from UVCs. This report presents a case of a preterm neonate with intraperitoneal extravasation of TPN and associated hepatic hemorrhage due to a malpositioned UVC while highlighting the cumulative clinical, radiographic, and laboratory findings that should prompt consideration of this complication as the cause of ascites in neonates.