Death as a complication of peripherally inserted central catheters in neonates

We report 2 neonatal deaths caused by cardiac tamponade related to peripher ally inserted central catheters (PICCs). A total of 3 deaths were noted for 390 PICCs placed, giving an incidence of 0.76%. To determine the magnitude of neonatal death related to PICCs, directors of neonatal intensive care u nits in the United States were surveyed by means of a questionnaire. Myocar dial perforation and pericardial effusion were reported by 29% and 43%, res pectively. Deaths were attributed to PICCs by 24% of the respondents. Unifo rm guidelines need to be formulated to avoid this complication.