Umbilical Venous Catheterization in a Neonate Causing Pleural Effusion

• Main Authors: Suresh Kotinatot, Devendrasing Jadhav, Ahmed Elajab, Munira AlMaazmi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oman Medical Specialty Board 2021-03-01
• Series: Oman Medical Journal
• Subjects: infant; newborn; respiratory distress syndrome; pleural effusion; umbilical veins; catheterization
• Online Access: https://omjournal.org/articleDetails.aspx?coType=1&aId=2880

Pleural effusion is an extremely rare complication in neonates after umbilical venous catheterization that can present with respiratory distress, a neonatal emergency. It needs timely intervention to reduce respiratory distress. We report an interesting and rare case where a term newborn developed right-sided pleural effusion after umbilical venous catheter (UVC) insertion and starting on total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Pleural effusion was confirmed by X-ray and ultrasound and treated with intercostal drainage. The aspirated fluid was TPN, as evidenced by pleural fluid analysis. Pleural effusion resolved after removing the UVC.