KS Lun, WH Lee

Abstract

We report a premature newborn who developed circulatory collapse 46 hours after birth due to cardiac tamponade. Echocardiography revealed large circumferential pericardial effusion. Pericardiocentesis yielded 12 ml of clear straw-colored fluid with high glucose level of 102.9 mmol/L. The neonate improved after the procedure. Pericardial tamponade is a rare complication related to umbilical vein catheter. Nevertheless, this life-threatening complication has to be suspected in newborn presenting with shock after umbilical vein catheterization.