Complications of umbilical vein catherisation. Case Report

BACKGROUND: Umbilical vein catheterization is a relatively easy procedure performed routinely on the neonate intensive care units. It provides a fast central vein access, but some complications have been described in the literature. CASE REPORTS: We presented a case report of a premature infant (34 hbd) with extravasation of the parenteral nutrition and drugs to the liver after umbilical vein catheterization. Fever and increasing biochemical markers of infection were observed. USG revealed a heterogenic, well-limited space of 4 cm in diameter, located in the right lobe of the liver. CT excluded liver abscess. Considering neoplastic process or incorrect location of the catheter of the central vein, we performed liver biopsy. RESULTS: Cytological and biochemical analysis of the aspirated fluid revealed extravasation of parenteral nutrition to the liver. Our case confirms the necessity of controlling a proper location of the central catheter right after its insertion and during hospitalization.