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a b s t r a c t a r t i c l e i n f oBackground: Central venous catheterization is not the first choice of vascular access in neonates. Success depends on the size of the vessel and the skill of the health professional performing the procedure. The internal jugular vein provides a predictable path for central venous cannulation, although it is more difficult to cannulate infants than adults and even more difficult in smaller newborns. Methods: We conducted a prospective study in 100 newborns, in which a 4 Fr ultrasound-guided central venous catheter was placed in the right internal jugular vein (RIJV). The study population was low birth weight (LBW) newborns b 2500 g, very low birth weight (VLBW) newborns b 1500 g and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) newborns b1000 g. Results: There were 53% female patients, mean gestational age was 31 weeks, mean weight 1352 g and the CVC was placed at a mean of 12 days of extrauterine life. Birth weight distribution was 39% LBW; 33% VLBW and 28% ELBW. A mean of two (1-8) attempts were necessary with a procedure duration of 16.8 (10-40) minutes. Success of RIJV catheterization was 94%. One attempt was necessary in 50% and up to 5 attempts in 95.7%. Success by weight was VLBW, 97.2%; ELBW, 92.9%; LBW, 91.7%. A venous hematoma occurred in 5% of cases. Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided RIJV cannulation with real-time visualization to gain access to the central venous circulation in low birth weight newborns is effective and safe.

Early thoracoscopy is greatly beneficial for children with empyema by shortening disease progression. An initial short trial of medical treatment for nonorganising empyema may be attempted on the condition that thoracoscopy not be delayed more than 4 days.

Torsion of the vermiform appendix is a rare cause of appendicitis that is clinically indistinguishable from the classical presentation. In this paper, we present the first report in the literature of an appendicular torsion associated with an undescended cecum. A 3-year-old male patient with persistent pain in the right hypochondrium and peritoneal irritation underwent diagnostic laparoscopy, finding necrosis of the vermiform appendix caused by torsion of its base associated with an undescended cecum located in an indurated area of the subhepatic region. A video-assisted transumbilical appendectomy was performed. 839

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