Sudden death from cardiac tamponade in an extremely low birth weight neonate with an umbilical venous catheter in situ

Pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade are known to be rare but potentially fatal complications of umbilical venous catheterisation, even when the line tip is appropriately placed and is proximal to the right atrium.We report a fatal case of cardiac tamponade due to the presence of pericardial total parenteral nutrition associated with bilateral pleural effusions in an extremely low birth weight neonate with an umbilical venous catheter.It is important to promptly identify and treat this rare but devastating complication of what is often considered “routine” care. Timely pericardiocentesis should be considered in a preterm baby who deteriorates suddenly and has a central venous catheter