SONOGRAPHY OF THE UMBILICAL ARTERIAL CATH ETER - IN A NEONATE WITH RECURRENT HYPOGLYCEMIA

Hypoglycaemia in neonates can be caused by malposition of the umbilica l artery catheter (UAC). If the tip of the umbilical arterial catheter is located next to the origin of the great abdominal vessels glucose infusion is mainly directed into the coeliac trunk and superior mesent eric artery. Direct stimulation of the pancreatic gland might then res ult in hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia. Generally, UAC position is con trolled by x-ray. When using ultrasound for location of the UAC the ex act topography and especially the relation of the tip of the UAC to th e great vessel lumina can be documented precisely.