Deep vein thrombosis caused by central venous line and causing shoulder girdle oedema: a clinical case

Abstract

A newborn with a severe intestinal malformation presented with shoulder girdle or mantle oedema secondary to caval and innominate venous thrombosis caused by a left jugular venous central line used for parental nutrition and demonstrated using ultrasound. The patient initially was treated with standard heparin therapy without a response, Fraxiheparin® was then used. This low molecular weight heparin was administered subcutaneously using a dose of 150 U/kg b.d. for 14 days, followed by 3 months of oral anticoagulation. Clinical manifestations resolved completely with the low molecular weight heparin. The advantages of its use are noted; increase security in comparasion to heparin, less haemorrhagic complications, less rigid control, rarely produce autoimmune reactions. We emphasize the lack of information existing in the specialized newborn literature about anticoagulant treatment and thrombolysis in treating patients with deep vein thrombosis.