ULTRASONOGRAPHY GUIDED PERCUTANEOUS PLEURAL EFFUSION DRAINAGE IN NEONATES AND INFANTS: A SINGLE-CENTER EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the possible complications, outcomes and course of ultrasonography (USG)-guided percutaneous pleural effusion drainage (PEPED) treatment with underlying etiology of effusion in neonates and infants. Material and Methods: In 31 patients aged 0-2 years hospitalized in the neonatal or pediatric intensive care unit, 45 catheters were inserted for USG-guided PEPED in a total of 40 sessions. Of these, a 6.3F 25 cm pigtail drainage catheter was inserted in 23 (57.5%) of our patients using the Seldinger method and in 17 (42.5%) using the trocar method. The sample fluid was biochemically classified as transudate, exudate, empyema and chylothorax. The duration of inserted catheter and type of fluid was studied along with etiological reasons for effusions. Results: Of our 31 patients, 17 were male (54.8%) and 14 were female (45.2). The weeks of birth ranged from 25.1 to 41 weeks, with a mean of 35.55±4.22 weeks. The retention time of drainage catheters ranged from 1 to 18 days, with a mean of 6.5±4.02 days. We compared the retention time of inserted catheters between different preterm and mature groups. Besides, the various fluid characters in the postoperative patient group were compared in the context postoperative day period. Conclusion: Catheter dwell time does not change with different levels of neonatal maturity. In neonates and infants with a history of surgery, the effusion transforms into chylothorax from hemothorax over time. Bedside USG-guided PEPED treatment for refractory pleural effusion in neonates and infants is highly safe and effective with low complication rates.