Korean J Anesthesiol.  2010 Dec;59(6):420-424. 10.4097/kjae.2010.59.6.420.

Tension pneumothorax in a newborn after Cesarean-section delivery: A case report

• Kim SK
• Kim WH

• KMID: 1766504
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2010.59.6.420

Abstract

Tension pneumothorax in newborns is a rare but life-threatening complication. We encountered a case of a full-term neonate with a breech presentation. An elective cesarean section was scheduled. Immediately after delivery, the newborn was found to be breathless with a heart rate <60/min. During intubation and cardiac massage, the patient's femoral artery and vein were accessed. The infantogram revealed a right side tension pneumothorax. A 22 gauge needle thoracentesis relieved the right side chest pressure and a closed thoracostomy was performed. The severe acidosis was corrected with sodium bicarbonate. The patient was managed in the neonatal intensive care unit, but died from uncorrectable acidosis. We report this case with a review of the relevant literature.

Keyword

Needle thoracentesis; Neonatal tension pneumothorax; Resuscitation of newborn; Tube thoracostomy

MeSH Terms

Acidosis
Breech Presentation
Cesarean Section
Female
Femoral Artery
Heart Massage
Heart Rate
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Intensive Care, Neonatal
Intubation
Needles
Pneumothorax
Pregnancy
Sodium Bicarbonate
Thoracostomy
Thorax
Veins
Sodium Bicarbonate