NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS AFTER CATHETERIZATION OF THE UMBILICAL VESSELS

Abstract

Abstract. Livaditis, A., Wallgren, G. and Faxelius, G. (Departments of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery, Karolinska Sjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden). Necrotizing enterocolitis after catheterization of the umbilical vessels. Acta Paediat Scand, 63:277, 1974. –Necrotizing enterocolitis is reported in 7 infants who had undergone umbilical vessel catheterization. Five of them were treated surgically with two fatalities, while the remaining two recovered following conservative management. Necrotizing enterocolitis is a potential complication of umbilical vessel catheterization in particularly predisposed infants. The disorder may occur regardless of the type of vessel used or the indications for the procedure. Unless the ductus venoms is easily passed, umbilical venous catheterization for cardiovascular studies should preferably be avoided.