Proinflammatory Cytokines, Enolase and S-100 as Early Biochemical Indicators of Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Following Perinatal Asphyxia in Newborns.

BACKGROUND: Estimation of the neurological prognosis of infants suffering from perinatal asphyxia and signs of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is of great clinical importance; however, it remains difficult to satisfactorily assess these signs with current standard medical practices. Prognoses are typically based on data obtained from clinical examinations and neurological tests, such as electroencephalography (EEG) and neuroimaging, but their sensitivities and specificities are far from optimal, and they do not always reliably predict future neurological sequelae. In an attempt to improve prognostic estimates, neurological research envisaged various biochemical markers detectable in the umbilical cord blood of newborns (NB). Few studies examining these biochemical factors in the whole blood of newborns exist. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the expression and concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6) and specific CNS enzymes (S-100 and enolase) in infants with perinatal asphyxia. These data were compared between the affected infants and controls and were related to the degree of HIE to determine their utilities as biochemical markers for early diagnosis and prognosis. METHODS: The levels of the proinflammatory cytokines and enzymes were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Reverse Transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: The expression and serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines, enolase and S-100 were significantly increased in the children with asphyxia compared with the controls. CONCLUSION: The role of cytokines after hypoxic-ischemic insult has been determined in studies of transgenic mice that support the use of these molecules as candidate biomarkers. Similarly, S-100 and enolase are considered promising candidates because these markers have been correlated with tissue damage in different experimental models.

Micronucleated Erythrocytes in Peripheral Blood from Neonate Rats Exposed by Breastfeeding to Cyclophosphamide, Colchicine, or Cytosine-Arabinoside.

Genotoxic exposure to chemical substances is common, and nursing mothers could transmit harmful substances or their metabolites to their offspring through breast milk. We explored the possibility of determining genotoxic effects in the erythrocytes of breastfeeding rat pups whose mothers received a genotoxic compound while nursing. Ten groups of female rats and five pups per dam were studied. The control group received sterile water, and the experimental groups received one of three different doses of cyclophosphamide, colchicine, or cytosine-arabinoside. Blood smears were prepared from samples taken from each dam and pup every 24 h for six days. There were increased numbers of micronucleated erythrocytes (MNEs) and micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) in the samples from pups in the experimental groups (P < 0.02) and increased MNPCE frequencies in the samples from the dams (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate the vertical transmission of the genotoxic effect of the compounds tested. In conclusion, assessing MNEs in breastfeeding neonate rats to assess DNA damage may be a useful approach for identifying genotoxic compounds and/or cytotoxic effects. This strategy could help in screening for therapeutic approaches that are genotoxic during the lactation stage and these assessments might also be helpful for developing preventive strategies to counteract harmful effects.

Effects of blue light phototherapy on DNA integrity in preterm newborns.

In previous studies, exposure to phototherapy, but not oxygen therapy, resulted in damage to genetic material in newborns. The objective of this study was to determine whether micronucleated erythrocytes (MNE) increased in preterm newborns (PNBs) who were exposed to blue light phototherapy lamps. MNE of mature organisms are rapidly eliminated by the spleen, and the presence of MNE has been related to immaturity in some species. Furthermore, PNBs present spontaneous MNE. Blood samples were taken from 17 PNBs at birth to establish baseline frequencies (0 h). After beginning blue light phototherapy, blood samples were obtained from 11 of these PNBs at 24-h intervals for 96 h, after the baseline sample. MNE and micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) were counted. The basal values of MNE and MNPCE from 17 PNBs were 0.62 ± 0.48 and 1.52 ± 1.28 (‰), respectively, and no increase in MNE or MNPCE was observed in the serial samples of 11 PNBs exposed to blue light and oxygen therapies, though previous studies reported increases using other types of lamps. In conclusion, under the conditions described no increase in the number of MNE or MNPCE was observed in the peripheral blood of PNBs exposed to blue light phototherapy.

Antenatal use of bosentan and/or sildenafil attenuates pulmonary features in rats with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

BACKGROUND: Lung hypoplasia, pulmonary persistent hypertension of the newborn and its morphological changes are the main features in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). This study was undertaken to investigate if antenatal use of sildenafil and/or bosentan attenuates vascular remodeling, promotes branching, and improves alveolarization in experimental nitrofeninduced CDH. METHODS: Nitrofen (100 mg) was gavage-fed to pregnant rats at post conception day (PCD) 9 to induce CDH. The rats were randomized to 5 groups: 1) control; 2) nitrofen; 3) nitrofen+sildenafil 100 mg/kg per day at PCD 16-20; 4) nitrofen+bosentan 30 mg/kg per day, at PCD 16-20, and 5) nitrofen+bosentan+sildenafil, same doses and administration days. After cesarean delivery, the offsprings were sacrificed. The diaphragmatic defect and pulmonary hypoplasia were identified, and the lungs were dissected. Arterial wall thickness, bronchiolar density and alveolarization were assessed. RESULTS: The offsprings with CDH were characterized by severe pulmonary hypoplasia (lung weight-to-body weight ratio: 0.0263 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.0242-0.0278)] in the nitrofen group versus 0.0385 (95% CI 0.0355-0.0424) in the control group (P=0.0001). Pulmonary arterial wall thickness was decreased to 3.0 (95% CI 2.8-3.7) µm in the nitrofen+sildenafil group versus 5.0 (95% CI 4.1-4.9) µm in the nitrofen group (P=0.02). Terminal bronchioles increased to 13.7 (95% CI 10.7-15.2) µm in the nitrofen+bosentan group in contrast to 8.7 (95% CI 7.2-9.4) µm in the nitrofen group (P=0.002). More significant differences (P=0.0001) were seen in terminal bronchioles in the nitrofen+sildenafil+bosentan group than in the nitrofen group [14.0 (95% CI 12.5-15.4) µm versus 8.5 (95% CI 7.1-9.3) µm]. Pulmonary arterial wall thickness was also decreased in the former group. CONCLUSIONS: In this rat model, antenatal treatment with sildenafil attenuates vascular remodeling. Bosentan promotes the development of terminal bronchioles in nitrofen-induced CDH.

Consenso sobre el abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico del dolor y el estrés en el recién nacido / Consensus on the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to pain and stress in the newborn

El dolor y estrés en el recién nacido (RN) se ha tratado en forma insuficiente; los recién nacidos que ingresan a las unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales (UCIN), a menudo deben someterse a procedimientos invasivos, dolorosos y estresantes y el tratamiento inadecuado incrementa la morbimortalidad. El V Consenso Clínico de la Sociedad Iberoamericana de Neonatología convocó a 32 neonatólogos de Iberoamérica para establecer las recomendaciones sobre diagnóstico y terapéutica del dolor y estrés neonatal. Se desarrollaron temas de relevancia, utilizando la mejor evidencia científica disponible en bases de datos indizadas. Todos participaron en forma activa en una reunión presencial en Santiago de Chile para consensuar las recomendaciones y conclusiones. El dolor y el estrés neonatal afectan el neurodesarrollo y la conducta a largo plazo, requieren el diagnóstico oportuno, el manejo y la terapéutica adecuada, incluso con fármacos que permitan balancear la efectividad y toxicidad. El Consenso señala la importancia de evaluar el dolor en el RN en forma multidimensional y proporciona recomendaciones de las indicaciones y limitaciones para la terapia farmacológica individualizada. El uso de los analgésicos tiene indicaciones precisas y debe limitarse por la carencia de estudios aleatorizados en RN, ya que en todos los casos existen efectos adversos a considerar. Se proponen medidas no farmacológicas para mitigar el dolor. El manejo del estrés debe comenzar en la sala de partos e incluir el contacto materno, la reducción de estímulos, la implementación de protocolos de intervención reducida, entre otros. SIBEN propone las recomendaciones para mejorar las prácticas clínicas relacionadas con el dolor y el estrés neonatal.

Pain and stress experienced by the newborn have not been addressed adequately. Infants in neonatal intensive care units often undergo painful and stressful invasive procedures, and inappropriate treatment increases morbidity and mortality. At the 5th Clinical Consensus of the Ibero-American Society of Neonatology, 32 neonatologists from the region were invited to establish recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of neonatal pain and stress. Key themes were explored based on the best scientific evidence available in indexed databases. All attendees participated actively in a meeting in Santiago, Chile, with the objective of reaching a consensus on recommendations and conclusions. Pain and neonatal stress affect neurological development and long-term behavior and require timely diagnosis and appropriate management and treatment, including the use of drugs with an appropriate balance between effectiveness and toxicity. The Consensus emphasized the importance of assessing pain in the newborn from a multidimensional viewpoint, and provided recommendations on the indications and limitations for an individualized pharmacological therapy. The use of analgesics has precise indications but also important limitations; there is a lack of randomized studies in newborns, and adverse effects need to be considered. Nonpharmacological measures to mitigate pain were proposed. Stress management should begin in the delivery room, including maternal contact, stimulus reduction and the implementation of intervention reduction protocols. Recommendations for improving clinical practices related to neonatal pain and stress are presented.

Micronucleated erythrocytes in newborn rats exposed to raltegravir placental transfer.

The use of raltegravir in treating HIV/AIDS has been proposed due to its effectiveness in suppressing high loads of HIV RNA in pregnant women, thus preventing infection of the fetus. However, administration of raltegravir during pregnancy produces a compound which is transferred to high concentrations to the offspring. The objective of this study is to evaluate the transplacental genotoxic effect of raltegravir in newborn rats. We evaluated the number of micronucleated erythrocytes (MNE), micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE), and polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) in the peripheral blood samples of the offspring of Wistar rats treated 6 days before birth with oral administration of raltegravir. The animals were randomly assigned to five groups as follows: raltegravir at doses of 15, 30, or 60 mg/day, cyclophosphamide 10 mg/kg (positive control), or 0.5 ml of sterile water (negative control). In addition, the effect of these drugs on the weight and height of newborns was assessed. There were no differences in the number of MNE, MNPCE, and PCE, and a slight decrease in the weight and height was observed in the offspring of the rat mothers treated with raltegravir. Genotoxicity studies are required in pregnant women to determine the risk of using raltegravir to the fetuses.

[Consensus on the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to pain and stress in the newborn]. / Consenso sobre el abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico del dolor y el estrés en el recién nacido.

Pain and stress experienced by the newborn have not been addressed adequately. Infants in neonatal intensive care units often undergo painful and stressful invasive procedures, and inappropriate treatment increases morbidity and mortality. At the 5th Clinical Consensus of the Ibero-American Society of Neonatology, 32 neonatologists from the region were invited to establish recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of neonatal pain and stress. Key themes were explored based on the best scientific evidence available in indexed databases. All attendees participated actively in a meeting in Santiago, Chile, with the objective of reaching a consensus on recommendations and conclusions. Pain and neonatal stress affect neurological development and long-term behavior and require timely diagnosis and appropriate management and treatment, including the use of drugs with an appropriate balance between effectiveness and toxicity. The Consensus emphasized the importance of assessing pain in the newborn from a multidimensional viewpoint, and provided recommendations on the indications and limitations for an individualized pharmacological therapy. The use of analgesics has precise indications but also important limitations; there is a lack of randomized studies in newborns, and adverse effects need to be considered. Nonpharmacological measures to mitigate pain were proposed. Stress management should begin in the delivery room, including maternal contact, stimulus reduction and the implementation of intervention reduction protocols. Recommendations for improving clinical practices related to neonatal pain and stress are presented.

Micronucleated erythrocytes in preterm newborns exposed to phototherapy and/or oxygentherapy.

Preterm newborns (PNBs) have an immature antioxidant defense system, and this makes them more susceptible to oxidative stress generated by postnatal treatments. The objective was to determine whether micronucleated erythrocytes increase in PNB by postnatal treatments such as oxygentherapy and phototherapy. We counted micronucleated erythrocytes and micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes as DNA damage in 72 blood samples of PNB at 26-36 weeks of gestation, taken between 1 and 84 h after birth. We assume that more time passed between sampling and birth would correspond to greater time of exposure to oxygen (37 cases) and phototherapy plus oxygen (35 cases). In the PNB only exposed to oxygen, the differences were not significant, while there was a significant increase in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes with increasing exposure time in those treated with phototherapy plus oxygen. In conclusion, our results suggest that the MN increase from phototherapy can be observed in peripheral blood erythrocytes of PNB.

[Clinical and laboratory parameters in neonatal nosocomial sepsis]. / Parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio asociados a sepsis neonatal nosocomial.

OBJECTIVE: Assess if certain clinical and laboratorial data are associated with Neonatal Nosocomial Sepsis (NNS). METHODS: From March to June 2003, 343 premature neonates (PN) with clinical data suggestive of NNS were recruited; 60 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were studied. Laboratory tests included two blood cultures from different peripheral veins, complete blood count (CBC), serial C reactive protein (CRP), and buffy coat (BC) smear stained with acridine orange. Clinical data and laboratory test results were compared among neonates with and without pathogenic bacteria isolated in the blood culture. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests (chi2), odds ratios (OR), sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. RESULTS: In 35/60 (58.3%) PN, a pathogenic bacteria was isolated in blood cultures. We did not identify signs and symptoms significantly associated with SNN. Thrombocytopenia (chi2 4.8 d.f. 1; p = 0.03; OR: 3.2, C.I. 95% 1.1-9.6); positive CRP (chi2 9.1 d.f. 1; p = 0.003; OR: 15.1 C.I. 95%. 1.7-130.6), and positive buffy coat smear (chi2 6.7 d.f. 1; p = 0.009; OR: 11 C.I. 95% 1.3-91.9) were associated with NNS. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Serratia marcescens were the most frequent isolated bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: The present study did not identify signs and symptoms associated with NNS. Nevertheless, thrombocytopenia, positive CRP and positive buffy coat smear were considered adequate predictive factors.

Parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio asociados a sepsis neonatal nosocomial / Clinical and laboratory parameters in neonatal nosocomial sepsis

Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad de signos, síntomas y parámetros laboratoriales para predecir sepsis neonatal nosocomial. Métodos: De marzo de 2002 a junio de 2003 se identificaron 343 recién nacidos con sospecha de sepsis neonatal nosocomial, de los cuales 60 reunieron los criterios de inclusión. Se tomaron dos hemocultivos, biometría hemática, proteína C reactiva (PCR) seriada y un frotis de leucocitos teñidos con naranja de acridina o buffy coat. Los signos clínicos y laboratoriales fueron comparados en neonatos con y sin hemocultivo positivo, mediante χ2. Se calculó sensibilidad, especificidad, valores de predicción y razón de momios. Resultados: En 35/60 (58.3%) recién nacidos se aislaron bacterias patógenas. No se identificaron signos o síntomas asociados a sepsis neonatal nosocomial. Plaquetopenia (χ2=4.8 d.f. 1,p=0.03, RM=3.2, IC 95%=1.1-9.6); PCR positiva inicial (χ2=9.1 d.f. 1, p=0.003, RM=15.1, IC 95%=1.7-130.6) y buffy coat positivo (χ2=6.7 d.f.1,p=0.009, RM=11, IC 95%=1.3-91.9) se asociaron significativamente a sepsis neonatal nosocomial. Staphylococcus epidermidis y Serratia marcescens fueron las bacterias más aisladas. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados fueron consistentes con otros informes, los signos y síntomas clínicos no son de utilidad para predecir sepsis neonatal nosocomial, mientras que la plaquetopenia, PCR y buffy coat positivos resultaron buenos predictores de esta patología.

OBJECTIVE: Assess if certain clinical and laboratorial data are associated with Neonatal Nosocomial Sepsis (NNS). METHODS: From March to June 2003, 343 premature neonates (PN) with clinical data suggestive of NNS were recruited; 60 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were studied. Laboratory tests included two blood cultures from different peripheral veins, complete blood count (CBC), serial C reactive protein (CRP), and buffy coat (BC) smear stained with acridine orange. Clinical data and laboratory test results were compared among neonates with and without pathogenic bacteria isolated in the blood culture. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests (chi2), odds ratios (OR), sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. RESULTS: In 35/60 (58.3%) PN, a pathogenic bacteria was isolated in blood cultures. We did not identify signs and symptoms significantly associated with SNN. Thrombocytopenia (chi2 4.8 d.f. 1; p = 0.03; OR: 3.2, C.I. 95% 1.1-9.6); positive CRP (chi2 9.1 d.f. 1; p = 0.003; OR: 15.1 C.I. 95%. 1.7-130.6), and positive buffy coat smear (chi2 6.7 d.f. 1; p = 0.009; OR: 11 C.I. 95% 1.3-91.9) were associated with NNS. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Serratia marcescens were the most frequent isolated bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: The present study did not identify signs and symptoms associated with NNS. Nevertheless, thrombocytopenia, positive CRP and positive buffy coat smear were considered adequate predictive factors.

Deficiencia congénita de proteína C: Informe de un caso / Protein C congenital deficiency: A case report

La proteína C (PC) es una proteína plasmática que se sintetiza en el hígado con el apoyo de la vitamina K y regula la formación de trombina y consecuentemente la prevención de una trombosis. Se presenta el caso de un recién nacido masculino, con cambio de coloración en primer dedo del pie derecho, y 4 h después cianosis hasta nivel maleolar. A su ingreso se encontró con palidez generalizada, taquicárdico y con lesión necrótica en pie derecho. Inicialmente se sospechó proceso séptico por lo cual se manejó con Cefotaxima, Vancomicina y heparina. Presentó plaquetopenia 70,000mm³, tiempo de tromboplastina 16/12 seg. y tiempo de tromboplastina parcial de 58/29 seg., con funcionalidad de PC del 20% y proteína S de 100%. A pesar de mostrar evolución favorable y una recuperación parcial de la zona afectada, requirió amputación infratuberocitaria, además de manejo con enoxaheparina que posteriormente se cambió por acenocumarina, poco después del año de edad, se colocó prótesis. Se discute la conveniencia de continuar con estudios que apoyen el uso de anticuerpos monoclonales de PC a fin de dar el tratamiento sustitutivo de base y mejorar la calidad de vida de pacientes con deficiencia congénita de la misma.

Protein C is a plasmatic protein that is synthesized by the liver with the help of vitamin K. It regulates thrombin formation and consequently prevents thrombosis. We present a case of a newborn male with change in the color of the right foot index finger who after 4 h showed cyanosis that reached malleolus level. Upon admission we observed generalized pallor, tachycardia and a necrotic lesion in the right foot. We suspected a septic process and thus administered cefotaxime, vancomycin and heparin. Platelet levels were 70,000mm³, thromboplastin 16/12 sec., partial thromboplastin 5829 sec. PC functionality 20% and protein S 100%. Even though the patient evolved favourably and showed partial recovery, an intratuberous amputation was needed. One year later a prosthesis was fitted. We need to carry out studies that support the use of PC monoclonal antibodies in order to offer better baseline treatment to patients with PC congenital deficiency and improve their quality of life.

[Cardiac tamponade in the neonate as a complication of a central venous catheter. Case report]. / Taponamiento cardiaco en el neonato como complicación de catéter venoso central. Reporte de casos.

BACKGROUND: Central venous access is a necessity for the critically-ill newborn who arrives at a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; despite being considered a relatively safe procedure, it may cause to complications with fatal consequences. OBJECTIVE: To describe the course of five newborn patients undergoing cardiac tamponade as a complication of central venous catheter. DESIGN: Case series. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical files of five newborn patients admitted to the NICU who had had central venous catheter installed and underwent cardiac tamponade as a complication were reviewed. Data was collected on a previously designed chart in which identification, venous access, time installed before complication, diagnosis, treatment, and development were registered. RESULTS: Expressions of central tendency and dispersion were used for statistical analysis. Four preterm infants and one term infant were analyzed; mean gestational age was 31.5 weeks. Lapse between installation of centralvenous catheter and appearance of cardiac tamponade was 3 to 12 days, with mean of 6.2 days. The previously mentioned diagnosis was suspected when patients presented sudden hemodynamic dysfunction. Diagnosis was confirmed by echocardiography after resuscitation. Pericardic punction was performed in all patients, but only in four patients was nutrition admixture was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: We consider superior cava vein to be the safest site to place a central venous catheter above right atrium. Its position must periodically be confirmed via x-ray because of risk of migration phenomenom. Pericardic punction should be considered when a patient suddenly requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation and does not respond to common reanimation maneuvers.

Taponamiento cardiaco en el neonato como complicación de catéter venoso central: Reporte de casos / Cardiac Tamponade in the Neonate As a Complication of a Central Venous Catheter: Case Report

Introducción: el abordaje venoso central es una necesidad para el recién nacido críticamente enfermo que ingresa a la unidad de terapia intensiva neonatal, y aunque es considerado un procedimiento relativamente seguro, puede ocasionar complicaciones de curso fatal. Objetivo: describir cinco casos de recién nacidos que superaron a un evento de taponamiento cardiaco como complicación del uso de un catéter venoso central. Departamento de Neonatología del Hospital de Pediatría del Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente. Diseño: serie de casos. Material y métodos: se revisaron los expedientes clínicos de cinco pacientes recién nacidos, atendidos en la unidad de terapia intensiva neonatal (UTIN), en los que fue colocada una línea venosa central y presentaron como complicación taponamiento cardiaco. Los datos se recabaron en una cédula diseñada para tal fin, en la que se consignaron datos generales, vía de acceso, tiempo de estancia antes de la complicación, método diagnóstico, tratamiento y evolución. Medición de resultados: para su análisis estadístico se usaron medidas de tendencia central y dispersión. Resultados: de los cinco pacientes analizados, uno era de término y cuatro menores de 37 semanas, con edad gestacional promedio de 31.5 semanas, el tiempo transcurrido entre la colocación e la línea venosa central y las manifestaciones del taponamiento cardiaco fue de tres a 12 días con un promedio de 6.2 días, el diagnóstico se sospecho cuando los pacientes presentaron en forma súbita descompensación hemodinámica. Se confirmó el diagnóstico mediante estudio ecocardiográfico, después de resucitación. A todos se les practicó punción pericárdica evacuadora, en cuatro casos se obtuvo mezcla nutricia. Conclusiones: consideramos que el sitio mas seguro del catéter venoso central es en vena cava superior, arriba de atrio derecho, debe verificarse radiológicamente en forma periódica su situación por riesgo de fenómeno de 'migración". La pericardioscentesis debe ser un procedimiento a considerar en un paciente que requiere resucitación cardiopulmonar y no se consiga respuesta a las maniobras habituales de reanimación. Este procedimiento en nuestros casos funcionó como prueba diagnóstico, y puede ser muy útil, sobre todo si no se tiene el recurso apropiado para realizar diagnóstico previo.

Background: central venous access is a necessity for the critically-ill newborn who arrives at a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; despite being considered a relatively safe procedure, it may cause to complications with fatal consequences. Objective: to describe the course of five newborn patients undergoing cardiac tamponade as a complication of central venous catheter. Design: case series. Material and Methods: clinical files of five newborn patients admitted to the NICU who had had central venous catheter installed and underwent cardiac tamponade as a complication were reviewed. Data was collected on a previously designed chart in which identification, venous access, time installed before complication, diagnosis, treatment, and development were registered. Results: expressions of central tendency and dispersion were used for statistical analysis. Four preterm infants and one term infant were analyzed; meange stationalage was 31.5 weeks. Lapse between installation of central venous catheterand appearance of cardiac tamponade was 3 to 12 days, with mean of 6.2 days. The previously mentioned diagnosis was suspected when patients presented sudden hemodynamic dysfunction. Diagnosis was confirmed by echocardiography after resuscitation. Pericardic punction was performed in all patients, but only in four patients was nutrition admixture was obtained. Conclusions: we consider superior cava vein to be the safest site to place a central venous catheter above right atrium. Its position must periodically be confirmed via x-ray because of risk of migration phenomenom. Pericardic punction should be considered when a patient suddenly requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation and does not respond to common reanimation maneuvers.