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.

Traumatic asphyxia is a rare condition in children that usually occurs after severe compression to the chest or abdomen. We report 3 cases in patients 18, 20, and 36 months of age who presented signs and symptoms of traumatic asphyxia after car accidents. Two clinical features were consistent in all 3 patients: multiple petechiae on the face and bulbar conjunctival hemorrhage; 2 patients had facial cyanosis, and 1 had facial edema.In children, the number of clinical manifestations that should be evident to diagnose traumatic asphyxia has not been ascertained. However, in any history of trauma with compression of the chest or abdomen and signs of increased intravenous craniocervical pressure, traumatic asphyxia should be suspected.

Objective: To determine the dimensions and depth of the right internal jugular vein (RIJV) in low birth weight newborns by ultrasound and assess the differences in weight and determine the relationship of the vein with the carotid artery. Method: We performed a vascular assessment of the RIJV in 100 low birth weight newborns. The subjects were divided into three groups, low birth weight (LBW) newborns, 52500 g; very low birth weight (VLBW) newborns, 51500 g; and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) newborns 51000 g. Results: Of the newborns, 39% had LBW, 33% had VLBW, and 28% had ELBW. The medians were gestational age 31 weeks, weight 1300 g, anteroposterior diameter of the RIJV 2.2 mm, and the distance from the skin-RIJV 3.6 mm. In LBW newborns, the median anteroposterior diameter of RIJV was 2.7 mm; in LBW newborns 2.2; in ELBW newborns 1.9 (p50.001); the median distance from skin to RIJV for LBW newborns was 4.1 mm; for VLBW newborns, 3.6 and for ELBW newborns 2.9 (p50.01); differences that were statistically significant. Conclusions: In low birth weight newborns, the diameter and depth of the RIJV is directly proportional to the weight of the subjects studied.