Umbilical artery catheterization has been performed for approximately 6 years for diagnostic and investigative studies, and more recently for intravascular fluid therapy. We recently encountered a complication—perforation of the peritoneum—which illustrates another potential danger of this procedure. CASE REPORT Baby Y., a 1,590 gm female infant, was delivered in a community hospital. She was delivered with membranes intact but aspirated amniotic fluid containing meconium when the membranes were removed. At 20 minutes of age examination revealed marked intercostal retractions, a respiratory rate of 60 per minute, and cyanosis. Roentgenograms of the chest showed a fine reticular pattern. An umbilical vein catheter was inserted, but blood could not be aspirated.
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Leeuwen et al. (1969) studied this question.