Pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade as complications of neonatal long lines: are they really a problem?
- 1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Rosie Maternity, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK
- 2Centre for Applied Medical Statistics, University of Cambridge, Institute of Public Health, Robinson Way, Cambridge, UK
- Correspondence to:
Dr K Beardsall, Neonatal Unit, Rosie Maternity, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK;
k.beardsall{at}btinternet.com
- Accepted 30 August 2002
Abstract
Aim: To estimate the frequency of pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade associated with the use of neonatal percutaneous long lines (PLLs) over the past five years.
Method: A retrospective nationwide postal survey, of all neonatal and special care units in the United Kingdom.
Results: Eighty two cases of pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade were reported from the five year period, during which we estimate that 46 000 PLLs were inserted. The calculated frequency of pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade occurring with PLLs was 1.8/1000 lines. There were 30 deaths, giving a fatality rate after pericardial effusion of 0.7/1000 lines.
Conclusions: Pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade is a serious but infrequent complication of PLL use.
