Mal-Positioned Umbilical Venous Catheter Causing Liver Abscess in a Preterm Infant

Imaging of Umbilical Venous Catheter-Related Hepatic Complications in Neonates

An umbilical venous catheter (UVC) is commonly placed for central venous access in preterm or critically ill full-term neonates to provide total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and medication. However, UVCs can result in complications, including infection, portal vein thrombosis, and hepatic tissue injury. The inadvertent administration of hypertonic fluid through a malpositioned UVC can also cause hepatic parenchymal damage with mass-like fluid collection that simulates a tumorous condition during imaging. Ultrasonography and radiographic examinations play an essential role in detecting UVC-related complications. This pictorial essay aims to present the imaging findings of UVC-related hepatic complications in neonates.

Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Neonatal Fungal Liver Abscess: A Systematic Review of the Literature

(1) Background: Although invasive fungal infections are a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, data on the incidence and outcomes of localized abscesses in solid organs due to fungal infections are scarce. The aim of this study was to consolidate evidence and enhance our understanding on neonatal liver abscesses due to invasive fungal infections. (2) Methods: An electronic search of the PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted, considering studies that evaluated fungal liver abscesses in the neonatal population. Data on the epidemiology, clinical course, treatment, and outcome of these infections were integrated in our study. (3) Results: Overall, 10 studies were included presenting data on 19 cases of neonatal fungal liver abscesses. Candida spp. were the most common causative pathogens (94.7%). Premature neonates constituted the majority of cases (93%), while umbilical venous catheter placement, broad spectrum antibiotics, and prolonged parenteral nutrition administration were identified as other common predisposing factors. Diagnosis was established primarily by abdominal ultrasonography. Medical therapy with antifungal agents was the mainstay of treatment, with Amphotericin B being the most common agent (47%). Abscess drainage was required in four cases (21%). Eradication of the infection was achieved in the majority of cases (80%). (4) Conclusions: Even though fungal liver abscess is a rare entity in the neonatal population, clinicians should keep it in mind in small, premature infants who fail to respond to conventional treatment for sepsis, particularly if an indwelling catheter is in situ. A high index of suspicion is necessary in order to achieve a timely diagnosis and the initiation of the appropriate treatment.

Ceftaroline and Daptomycin Combination Antibiotic Therapy for a Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Liver Abscess in a Premature Infant

Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterial etiology for infections in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can be difficult to treat, even when good source control is obtained. There are few data on treatment of MRSA abscess in the neonatal population. Vancomycin, clindamycin, daptomycin, ceftaroline, and linezolid are often used to treat MRSA infections in pediatric patients. Daptomycin and ceftaroline have been studied in adults as a salvage therapy for refractory MRSA infections. Few data exist on combination therapy for treatment of MRSA infection in neonatal or premature infant patients. This case report describes the successful use of intravenous (IV) daptomycin (6 mg/kg IV every 12 hours) plus ceftaroline (8 mg/kg IV every 8 hours) for 18 days after failure of daptomycin monotherapy to treat multiple hepatic abscesses and an infected thrombus caused by MRSA in a premature female born at 30 weeks of gestation. The patient had increased abscess size after daptomycin monotherapy and treatment was changed to combination therapy. With addition of the ceftaroline, the abscesses resolved entirely on ultrasonography within 3 weeks. While combination therapy was effective in this patient, additional research is needed to determine the most appropriate use for combination therapy for treatment of MRSA infections in the premature infant and neonatal population.

Liver abscess in early infancy with no underlying risk factors: a case series

Liver abscess in early infancy is uncommon, needs a high index of suspicion for diagnosis and carries a high mortality. It presents most frequently by a fulminant course, generalised sepsis and multiple metastatic abscesses. An underlying predisposing factor is usually attributed in nearly all cases reported to date. These include prematurity, low birth weight, umbilical catheterisation (UC), administration of hypertonic dextrose or total parenteral nutrition via UC, exchange transfusion, blood culture proven sepsis, necrotising enterocolitis, antecedent abdominal surgery, birth asphyxia, omphalitis and underlying immunodeficiency. We present three cases of early infantile liver abscesses without any identifiable predisposing factor despite extensive work-up to search for such. Early recognition and management led to a favourable outcome in all our patients.

Review of Routes to Administer Medication During Prolonged Neonatal Resuscitation

OBJECTIVE

During neonatal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, early establishment of vascular access is crucial. We aimed to review current evidence regarding different routes for the administration of medications during neonatal resuscitation.

DATA SOURCES

We reviewed PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar using MeSH terms "catheterization," "umbilical cord," "delivery room," "catecholamine," "resuscitation," "simulation," "newborn," "infant," "intraosseous," "umbilical vein catheter," "access," "intubation," and "endotracheal."

STUDY SELECTION

Articles in all languages were included. Initially, we aimed to identify only neonatal studies and limited the search to randomized controlled trials.

DATA EXTRACTION

Due to a lack of available studies, studies in children and adults, as well as animal studies and also nonrandomized studies were included.

DATA SYNTHESIS

No randomized controlled trials comparing intraosseous access versus peripheral intravascular access versus umbilical venous catheter versus endotracheal tube versus laryngeal mask airway or any combination of these during neonatal resuscitation in the delivery room were identified. Endotracheal tube: endotracheal tube epinephrine administration should be limited to situations were no vascular access can be established. Laryngeal mask airway: animal studies suggest that a higher dose of epinephrine for endotracheal tube and laryngeal mask airway is required compared with IV administration, potentially increasing side effects. Umbilical venous catheter: European resuscitation guidelines propose the placement of a centrally positioned umbilical venous catheter during neonatal cardiopulmonary resuscitation; intraosseous access: case series reported successful and quick intraosseous access placement in newborn infants. Peripheral intravascular access: median time for peripheral intravascular access insertion was 4-5 minutes in previous studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on animal studies, endotracheal tube administration of medications requires a higher dose than that by peripheral intravascular access or umbilical venous catheter. Epinephrine via laryngeal mask airway is feasible as a noninvasive alternative approach for drug delivery. Intraosseous access should be considered in situations with difficulty in establishing other access. Randomized controlled clinical trials in neonates are required to compare all access possibilities described above.

Positioning newborns on their back or right side for umbilical venous catheter insertion

AIM

Newborns are placed supine for umbilical venous catheter insertion, and catheter tip position is confirmed with X-ray. Umbilical venous catheters are considered correctly positioned when the tip is in the inferior vena cava; however, frequently, the catheter tip enters the portal venous circulation. We wished to determine whether placing infants on their right side, rather than on the back, for umbilical venous catheter insertion results in more correctly placed catheters.

METHODS

Newborns were randomised to be placed on their back, or turned onto their right side for catheter insertion. Primary outcome was correct catheter tip position on X-ray (visible in the midline at diaphragm level).

RESULTS

Umbilical venous catheter insertion was successful in all infants enrolled. There was no difference in the proportion of correctly positioned catheters between the groups [back 23/44 (52%) versus right side 27/44 (61%), p = 0.389]. More infants randomised to back had the catheter tip in the portal circulation [back 13/44 (30%) versus right side 5/44 (11%), p = 0.034].

CONCLUSION

Positioning newborn infants on their right side did not result in more correctly placed umbilical venous catheters. The procedure was well tolerated and reduced the rate of tip insertion into the portal venous circulation.

Ruptured Liver Abscess in Neonates: Report of Two Cases

Neonatal hepatic abscess is a rare disease seen mainly in preterm following umbilical catheterisation. Liver abscess in term neonates without any predisposing factor is still rarer and only few cases have been reported in the literature. Here we report two cases of liver abscess in term neonates presenting with abdominal mass due to rupture.

Hepatic Abscesses in Preterm Infants: Report of Three Cases and Review of the Literature

PURPOSE

Hepatic abscess is a rare but potentially fatal entity in neonates. The aim of this study was to provide valuable data for diagnosis, management and prevention of hepatic abscess in preterm infants.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was made for patients diagnosed with hepatic abscesses between 2012 and 2015. Methods included clinical and radiological review of records and evaluation of potential risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of three infants with hepatic abscesses were identified. All of them had low birth weight and low gestational age. Predisposing factors included prematurity, late sepsis, umbilical catheterization, necrotizing enterocolitis and previous antibiotic therapy. Isolated organisms from blood included Staphylococcus spp. in two cases and Pseudomonas spp. in one case. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first preterm case of hepatic abscess caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the literature. All patients responded well to antibiotic therapy alone, and no interventional drainage was required.

CONCLUSION

We suggest evaluating all preterm neonates who have severe sepsis and/or necrotizing enterocolitis signs and who do not respond to prolonged antibiotic therapy with detailed abdominal ultrasound for possible hepatic abscesses as early diagnosis, and treatment favors prognosis.

Umbilical venous catheter complications in newborns: a 6-year single-center experience

OBJECTIVE

Umbilical venous catheter (UVC) insertion is frequently performed in critically ill neonates. Various mild or serious complications of umbilical venous catheterization can be observed associated with this procedure. In this study, newborns that have undergone UVC and developed complications were evaluated.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study was carried out in newborns that have undergone UVC and developed complications were evaluated between June 2008 and November 2014.

RESULTS

Umbilical venous catheter were inserted to 974 (22.4%) newborn and followed for 7402/catheter days. UVC-related complications developed at 198 patients (20.3%). The most common UVC-related complications were malposition (n = 189), catheter-related bloodstream infection (n = 6) and remnant of catheter in the umbilicus (n = 3), respectively. Remnant of catheter in the umbilicus was removed by pediatric surgeon. Except one patient, all patients were discharged.

CONCLUSION

Although UVC is a common and easy vascular access, this process is not without complications. UVC may be inappropriate position because the catheter is inserted by the pediatrician without imaging guidance and may occasionally be associated with complications. Inappropriate positioning of the catheter may observe during the follow-up and maintained care. Therefore, newborns particularly in premature and very low birth-weight newborn should be followed in terms of catheter complications during insertion, following and just after removing of the catheter.

Neonatal liver abscesses due to Candida infection in a preterm infant, secondary to malpositioned umbilical lines--a rare entity

Neonatal liver abscess is an uncommon seen condition in neonatology and it holds a very high neonatal mortality because of difficulty in diagnosis and treatment. Till today, only few instances are reported that too are mainly in preterm. Its diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. Fungal hepatic abscess is very rare and in medical literature very few case reports are there in the medical literature. Here, we report a case of Candida albicans liver abscess in a preterm neonate, secondary to malpositioned umbilical lines that presented with respiratory difficulty and other clinical features of sepsis that was managed medically and discharged successfully.

Clinical-radiologic features and treatment of hepatic lesions caused by inadvertent infusion of parenteral nutrition in liver parenchyma due to malposition of umbilical vein catheters

BACKGROUND

Umbilical venous catheterization is a common procedure performed in neonatal intensive care units. Hepatic collections due to inadvertent extravasation of parenteral nutrition into the liver have been described previously in literature.

OBJECTIVE

To recognize the clinicoradiologic features and treatment options of hepatic collections due to inadvertent extravasation of parenteral nutrition fluids caused by malpositioning of umbilical venous catheter (UVC) in the portal venous system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a case series describing five neonates during a 6-year period at a single tertiary care referral center, with extravasation of parenteral nutrition into the liver parenchyma causing hepatic collections.

RESULTS

All five neonates receiving parenteral nutrition presented with abdominal distension in the second week of life. Two out of five (40%) had anemia requiring blood transfusion and 3/5 (60%) had hemodynamic instability at presentation. Ultrasound of the liver confirmed the diagnosis in all the cases. Three of the five (60%) cases underwent US-guided aspiration of the collections, one case underwent conservative management and one case required emergent laparotomy due to abdominal compartment syndrome. US used in follow-up of these cases revealed decrease in size of the lesions and/or development of calcifications.

CONCLUSION

Early recognition of this complication, prompt diagnosis with US of liver and timely treatment can lead to better outcome in newborns with hepatic collections secondary to inadvertent parenteral nutrition infusion via malposition of UVC.

Neonatal liver abscesses associated with candidemia: three cases and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Our aim was to identify risk factors for the development of neonatal Candida liver abscess and to find useful information to better manage this potentially fatal complication.

METHODS

A computerized search was conducted using PubMed. Overall, three articles describing the history of seven infants were finally considered. The characteristics of these seven cases were analyzed together with those of three new cases that we treated in the recent past.

RESULTS

All the neonates were premature. Previous antibiotic use was reported in all the cases, umbilical venous catheterization in 9/10 and total parenteral nutrition in 8/10. Candida albicans was isolated in 9/10. All the patients presented with aspecific signs of sepsis. Liver abscesses were described as "microabscesses" or "miliary abscesses" in three cases, as solitary lesion in two cases. In one case two lesions and in one four lesions were reported. Three infants died.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver ultrasonography should be performed in all the neonates with signs of sepsis, especially in the presence of candidemia and/or hepatomegaly and/or significant change in liver enzymes. Umbilical venous catheter should be removed, and peripheral IV access should be used until there is documented clearance from the blood with three or more negative blood cultures.

Liver fluid collection in neonates and its association with the use of a specific umbilical vein catheter: Report of five cases

In newborns, the presence of liver fluid collection is a rare event. The reported cases are isolated or described over long periods. Within four months, five neonates were diagnosed with liver fluid collection from safety occurrence reports. Clinical, laboratory and radiological data were extracted from medical records. The definite diagnosis was made by ultrasound. Four of the patients were preterm, male and had very low birth weights. The osmolality of the infused solution was within the acceptable range. Investigations revealed that the use of a new brand of umbilical vein catheter introduced in the neonatal intensive care unit, one month before the first case, was associated with this cluster. Low positioning of the umbilical vein catheter tip appeared to be a second contributory factor. Neonatal practitioners may benefit from the present report when facing the occurrence of similar lesions.

Pharmacological resolution of a multiloculated Candida spp. liver abscess in a preterm neonate

We report the case of a 31-week gestational age neonate with Candida albicans sepsis and a hepatic abscess. Diagnosis relied on clinical and radiological signs of sepsis, liver function impairment and culture isolation of Candida spp. from sterile sites. Liver ultrasound documented the presence of a multiloculated abscess. Treatment with micafungin (3 mg/kg/day) resulted in normalization of liver function and inflammatory laboratory values and improvement of clinical condition. After 30 days of treatment, the liver abscess resolved and at the 8-month follow up the infant is doing well. Prompt diagnosis and antifungal treatment avoided surgical drainage and liver surgery in this high-risk neonate.

Liver abscess within the first week of life in a very low birthweight infant

Liver abscess is rare in neonates. The present report concerns a preterm neonate with history of antenatal laser ablation therapy (to prevent twin to twin transfusion syndrome), who developed liver abscesses within a few days of life. Conservative treatment with antibiotics led to the normalisation of inflammatory markers, leaving an echogenic (calcified) area in the liver.

Neonatal liver abscesses due to Candida infection effectively treated with caspofungin

Candidiasis is relatively frequent in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (ICUs), particularly in preterm infants less than 28 weeks of gestational age. Neonatal candidiasis shows high mortality and is often associated to poor neurodevelopmental prognosis in survivor patients. Amphotericin B and fluconazole are the first choice drugs for the treatment of neonatal candidiasis. Caspofungin is an alternative antifungal agent, which is recommended for invasive candidiasis in adults, but has been poorly experienced in neonates and infants as far as now. We report the first two infants with Candida liver abscesses treated with caspofungin. In the first infant bloodstream and liver lesions were cleared by combination therapy with fluconazole, liposomal amphotericin and caspofungin, while in the second one by caspofungin alone.

CONCLUSION

Our observations confirm the efficacy and tolerability of caspofungin in the treatment of neonatal candidiasis refractory to conventional antifungal drugs. More extensive data are recommended in order to asses a specific neonatal schedule.

Hepatic laceration because of malpositioning of the umbilical vein catheter: case report and literature review

Umbilical vein catheterization that is a common bedside procedure in the neonatal intensive care units is not without complication. The most common complications are thrombus formation, embolism, vessel perforation, hemorrhage, and infection. Complications related to the liver carry a high risk for mortality. Laceration is an ominous complication of umbilical vein catheter that is generally a result of direct injury through the liver parenchyma. Abdominal distension that develops gradually should alert the physician for a likely development of intrahepatic bleeding. Surgery is mandatory in patients with ongoing bleeding after the withdrawal of the catheter. Early diagnosis and treatment are lifesaving in these patients.

Imaging-guided percutaneous needle aspiration or catheter drainage of neonatal liver abscesses: 14-year experience

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to review the clinical aspects and long-term outcomes of imaging-guided percutaneous aspiration or drainage of liver abscesses in neonates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and imaging records of eight neonates with liver abscesses referred for imaging-guided percutaneous aspiration or drainage, including one autopsy-proven case in whom the percutaneous aspiration or drainage was not performed. Clinical and imaging features, complications, and long-term follow-up results were assessed.

RESULTS

Eight neonates with liver abscesses were referred for imaging-guided percutaneous aspiration or drainage (five males, three females; age range, 7-100 days; weight, 610-3,400 g). Six were born prematurely (24-29 weeks of gestation). Six had a history of umbilical catheterization. All were clinically septic. All neonates received long-term i.v. antibiotics. Five neonates had solitary multiloculated abscesses (right lobe [n = 3], straddling both lobes [n = 2]), and three had solitary uniloculated abscesses (right lobe [n = 1] and left lobe [n = 2]). Imaging-guided drainage catheter insertion (n = 4), aspiration (n = 2), and aspiration followed by drainage catheter insertion (n = 1) were performed in seven neonates within 1 day after referral. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (4/8) was the most common organism isolated from blood and pus. There were no procedure-related complications. Catheter repositioning was required in one. Serial sonography (mean, 12.5 months) and clinical follow-up (mean, 20.7 months) showed complete clinical remission in seven cases. Three healed with calcification in the previous abscess site. Long-standing left portal vein thrombosis was seen in two cases.

CONCLUSION

Neonatal liver abscess is associated with good long-term outcome and minimal complications when imaging-guided percutaneous aspiration or drainage is performed in conjunction with long-term antibiotic coverage.

A nurse's guide to early detection of umbilical venous catheter complications in infants

The use of umbilical catheters in the care of critically ill neonates has become standard practice. Both arterial and venous umbilical catheters are a vital component of care, providing a stable route for fluid and medication administration, vascular pressure monitoring, and frequent blood sampling. Although commonplace, umbilical catheters are not without complications. Neonatal caregivers must be aware of and monitor carefully for associated complications. This article, Part 1 of a 2-part series, provides a systematic guide to the physical assessment of infants with umbilical venous catheters with an emphasis on early and ongoing recognition of complications related to this device. Part 2 will focus on umbilical arterial catheters, their use, and assessment of the infant to detect device-specific complications.