PNEUMOPERICARDIUM COMPLICATING THE TREATMENT OF RESPIRATORY-DISTRESS SYNDROME OF THE NEWBORN

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Abstract
Pneumopericardium complicating the treatment of respiratory-distress syndrome of the newborn with continuous positive pressure ventilation (CPPV) has not been described previously in the literature. Clinical diagnosis of this condition can be very difficult, especially if a pneumothorax is also present; the prognosis is bad and the outcome can be fatal unless emergency treatment by immediate pericardiocentesis is promptly instituted. This is better coupled with continuous drainage because of the risk of sudden cardiac tamponade with acute cardiac failure. This complication must be kept in mind when treating respiratory-distress syndrome of the newborn with CPPV, and X-ray faculties and equipment to perform pericardiocentesis must always be available.

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