[Air embolism on central venous access in a premature neonate, beware of the infusion device assembly!]

Arch Pediatr. 2008 Dec;15(12):1772-4. doi: 10.1016/j.arcped.2008.09.010. Epub 2008 Oct 30.
[Article in French]

Abstract

A fatal pulmonary air embolism, confirmed by an oriented necropsy, is described in a 25-day-old premature and small-for-gestational-age neonate. The embolism was suspected after air bubbles were detected in the infusion line. The air bubbles originated from a male Luer-lock to male Luer-lock connector, which was part of a specific assembly of the perfusion line. A solution to this problem is thereby proposed. We recommend caution in using complex infusion line assemblies because such complications are probably underestimated.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Catheterization, Central Venous / adverse effects
  • Embolism, Air / etiology*
  • Embolism, Air / mortality
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / etiology*
  • Infant, Small for Gestational Age
  • Male
  • Pulmonary Embolism / etiology*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / mortality