Intracardiac air - the 'hospital killer' identified? Case reports and review of the literature

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dc.contributor.authorSmith, Johanen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorEls, Ilseen_ZA
dc.date.accessioned2011-03-18T14:57:02Z
dc.date.available2011-03-18T14:57:02Z
dc.date.issued2003
dc.descriptionCITATION: Smith, J. & Els, I. 2003. Intracardiac air - the 'hospital killer' identified? Case reports and review of the literature. South African Medical Journal, 93(12):922-927.
dc.descriptionThe original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
dc.description.abstractVenous access is an essential part of caring for the sick neonate. The primary problem with catheters, whether peripherally or centrally placed, is the difficulty in maintaining them, the development of phlebitis and systemic infection, and fluid extravasation. A lesser known complication is the development of venous air embolism (VAE), as described in the 4 cases presented. We agree with others that VAE in newborn infants may occur more frequently than expected and emphasise the fact that it is preventable and that careful attention must be given to the techniques of preparing venous infusions. As health professionals (medical and nursing) we should take a harder line and regard these events as medically negligent until proven otherwise. We should take full responsibility for equipment, the connections, the infusate and the monitoring thereof. Unfortunately, the prognosis for this condition remains poor and it is unclear whether an increased awareness of this condition would influence outcome. Manufacturers of intravenous fluids should produce products devoid of air in order to reduce the risk of venous air embolism.
dc.description.versionPublisher’s version
dc.format.extent6 pages
dc.identifier.citationSmith, J. & Els, I. 2003. Intracardiac air - the 'hospital killer' identified? Case reports and review of the literature. South African Medical Journal, 93(12):922-927.
dc.identifier.issn2078-5135 (online)
dc.identifier.issn0256-9574 (print)
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/7141
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherHealth & Medical Publishing Group
dc.rights.holderSouth African Medical Journal
dc.subjectNeonatologyen_ZA
dc.subjectNewborn infantsen_ZA
dc.subjectVenous air embolismen_ZA
dc.subjectIntracardiac airen_ZA
dc.titleIntracardiac air - the 'hospital killer' identified? Case reports and review of the literatureen_ZA
dc.typeArticle
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