AUTHOR=Hou Ana , Fu Jianhua 

TITLE=Pericardial Effusion/Cardiac Tamponade Induced by Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: A Case Report and Literature Review

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pediatrics

VOLUME=8

YEAR=2020

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pediatrics/articles/10.3389/fped.2020.00235

DOI=10.3389/fped.2020.00235

ISSN=2296-2360

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Background:</bold> Although pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade (PCE/CT) is a rare complication of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), with an incidence of 0. 07–2%, it is associated with high mortality and is often life threatening. We sought to improve understanding of PICC-induced PCE/CT among pediatricians.</p><p><bold>Case presentation:</bold> The clinical data of PICC-associated PCE/CT in a very low birth weight (VLBW) infant were summarized, and the relevant literature was also reviewed.</p><p><bold>Conclusions:</bold> In VLBW infants with a PICC, if unstable respiratory circulatory system states are observed that cannot be explained, such as tachycardia, bradycardia, apnea, hypotension, and metabolic acidosis, PICC-induced PCE/CT should be considered. Early diagnosis and pericardial puncture are key to saving infants' lives.</p>