A first case report of neonatal persistent pneumothorax treated with an autologous blood patch

Pneumothorax is the most common type of air leak. Although the majority of pneumothoraces resolves spontaneously, some continue several days after the lung injury. Autologous blood patch pleurodesis is the most commonly used technique in the treatment of persistent pneumothorax. The use of an autologous blood patch in persistent pneumothorax in neonates has not been reported before. We report the first case of newborn persistent pneumothorax successfully treated with an autologous blood patch. The patient was a newborn aged 2 days. He was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit due to subcostal-intercostal retractions after birth. Chest X-ray was performed and pneumothorax was detected on the right side. Persistence of the air leak led to treatment with an autologous blood patch on day 17 of pneumothorax development. Pleurodesis was repeated on days 3 and 6 of the first autologous blood patch, respectively. Air leak sealed within 2 days after the third autologous blood patch. In our opinion, this procedure is safe and effective when performed with the correct technique, and can also be used safely in newborns.