Pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade as complications of neonatal long lines: are they really a problem?. Issue 4 (1st July 2003)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beardsall, K; White, D K; Pinto, E M; Kelsall, A W R
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 88:Issue 4(2003)
• Page Start: F292
• Page End: F295
• Publication Date: 2003-07-01
• Subjects: percutaneous long line -- pericardial effusion -- cardiac tamponade; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Newborn infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Fetus -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920105
• DOI: 10.1136/fn.88.4.F292
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-2998

Abstract

Abstract : Aim: To estimate the frequency of pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade associated with the use of neonatal percutaneous long lines (PLLs) over the past five years. Method: A retrospective nationwide postal survey, of all neonatal and special care units in the United Kingdom. Results: Eighty two cases of pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade were reported from the five year period, during which we estimate that 46 000 PLLs were inserted. The calculated frequency of pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade occurring with PLLs was 1.8/1000 lines. There were 30 deaths, giving a fatality rate after pericardial effusion of 0.7/1000 lines. Conclusions: Pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade is a serious but infrequent complication of PLL use.