Caudal blockade in the management of aortic thrombosis following umbilical artery catheterisation.

A neonate, with a postconceptual age of 29 weeks, suffered thrombosis of the aorta as a consequence of umbilical artery catheterisation. This resulted in ischaemic lesions of the lower limbs and buttocks. Part of the management consisted of the insertion of an extradural catheter, via the caudal route, which provided good pain relief and may have improved lower limb blood flow.