Sepsis and Lung Abscess Following Malposition of an Umbilical Vein Catheter in a Neonate

BACKGROUND: Umbilical vein catheterisation is a common and useful procedure in the care of critically ill newborns, but several complications may occur. PATIENTS: We report on a newborn, who developed sepsis and necrotizing pneumonia of the right middle lobe due to extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) Klebsiella following malposition of an umbilical vein catheter into a right pulmonary vein. RESULTS: Due to failed conservative treatment the child required lobectomy of the right middle lobe. CONCLUSION: Our case highlights the importance of exact determination of the position of central catheters by x-ray and/or ultrasound immediately after placement.