Paraplegia associated with umbilical artery catheterization in the newborn

Major complications have followed the use of umbilical artery catheterization in the newborn. The procedure is often a vital part of the monitoring of the critically ill infant and efforts are therefore made to reduce these risks. Recently, we have encountered two newborn infants who developed paraplegia for which no definite etiology could be uncovered. However, their management was attended by the use of umbilical artery catheters and it is postulated that the etiology of paraplegia may have resulted from embolization from these potential thrombogenic sources. The blood supply of the spinal cord and the site of possible embolization are discussed.