Cardiac tamponade in a newborn: a complication of hyperalimentation.

Perforation of the heart by central venous catheters is an uncommon but life-threatening complication in the neonatal age group. Prevention requires an open insertion technique, the use of soft Silastic catheters, and the maintenance of the catheter tip above the right atrium. Rapid clinical deterioration with signs of tamponade suggests the diagnosis. Catheter withdrawal, early pericardiocentesis, and pericardiotomy with myocardial repair in selected cases contribute to survival.