PERICARDIAL-EFFUSION AND CENTRAL VENOUS C ATHETERS IN NEONATES

Pericardial effusion due to leakage of parenteral solutions in the per icardial space is a rare but threatening complication of central venou s catherers that can lead to severe respiratory insufficiency and card iac failure if prompt treatment is not initiated. We describe three ca ses of pericardial effusion due to leakage of parenteral solution thro ugh central venous catheters that were correctly placed in vena cava. At the time of echocardiographic diagnosis of the pericardial effusion the catheter tip appeared to be placed in the right atrium in one of the three neonates. Our experience suggests that pericardial effusions may be listed as a complication of central venous catheters even thou gh the catheter tip is placed in vena cava. We advise to consider peri cardial effusions in the differential diagnosis of severe acute respir atory insufficiency in neonates who receive parenteral nutrition throu gh central venous catheters.