Hepatic injury following umbilical vein catheterization in neonates: a report of seven cases and literature review / 中国小儿急救医学

ABSTRACT

Objective:To study the clinical characteristics of hepatic injury following umbilical vein catheterization, so as to improve the safety and use of umbilical vein catheterization in the newborn.Methods:Data of infants undergoing umbilical vein catheterization during hospitalization in the neonatology department of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from Jan 1st, 2015 to Dec 31st, 2019 were collected retrospectively.The clinical characteristics, diagnoses and treatments of the infants with hepatic injury following umbilical vein catheterization were summarized and analyzed.And the relative literature was reviewed.Results:A total of 1 721 infants underwent umbilical vein catheterization, and seven cases(0.4%)had hepatic injury, including six cases of exudative necrosis in the liver and one case of hepatic hematoma.There was no significant difference in gestational age[(31.12±2.64)weeks vs.(30.62±2.75)weeks]or birth weight[(1 493±525)g vs.(1 374±473)g]between hepatic injury group and non-hepatic injury group( P>0.05). Clinically, it was found that the tip position of umbilical vein catheter was below the diaphragm(between the 9th and 11th thoracic vertebrae)in all seven cases.Except one case with no obvious clinical symptoms, the other six cases had clinical symptoms, mainly manifested as abdominal distension, repeated gastric retention, decreased bowel sounds, and additional with shock and anemia in hepatic hematoma.Blood sample tests showed elevated C-reactive protein, white blood cell count and transaminase.X-ray examination revealed cystic translucent shadow in the liver, and ultrasound and/or computed tomography examination showed the lesion in more detail.After removal of the catheter and administration of antibiotic, the hepatic injury recovered gradually. Conclusion:The hepatic injury following umbilical vein catheterization in neonates is not common.The catheter tip under the diaphragm is the main risk factor.And the diagnosis is dependent on imaging examination.