Abstract

ROMANIELLO, Héctor  and  ALDA, Ernesto. Localización epidural de un catéter percutáneo venoso transfemoral izquierdo. Arch. argent. pediatr. [online]. 2004, vol.102, n.4, pp.287-289. ISSN 0325-0075.

Percutaneus central venous access in very low birth weight infant and very sick babies is a standard practice in neonatal intensive care units. Its placement and localization are not free of complications, many times with severe morbidity. We report a case of a very low birth weight newborn (1.450 g and 30 weeks of gestational age), who three days after a left saphenous percutaneus central catheter placement, developed focal tonicclonic movements of both lower limbs, while receiving total parenteral nutrition. A lumbar puncture performed to rule out meningitis yielded white fluid, similar to the parenteral nutrition solution. The radiographic study with contrast confirmed that the catheter tip was in an epidural malposition (vertebral veins). Withdrawal of the catheter abated all clinical symptoms. This case emphasizes the need to confirm central venous catheter placement, because its migration to the pleural space, pericardium or epidural position may cause severe morbidity.

Keywords : Central venous access; Morbidity; Seizures.

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