ISSN:
1432-1998
Keywords:
Respiratory distress syndrome
;
Intermittent positive pressure ventilation
;
Pulmonary interstitial emphysema
;
Systemic air embolism
;
Umbilical catheters
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Details of 25 cases of neonatal systemic air embolism, including three of our patients, are reviewed. This rare complication of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) was observed in 21 premature infants and 4 fullterm newborns, of whom 23 required intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV). In 21 of these patients air embolism was preceded by pulmonary interstitial emphysema, pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax and/or pneumopericardium. Air embolism occurred between 3 and 288 hours after delivery. The outcome was lethal in 24 cases, only one patient survived. Two main pathogenic mechanisms are discussed; entrance of air from ruptured alveoli into the lung capillaries and introduction of air via catheters in umbilical vessels.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00973822
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