Portal hypertension following exchange blood transfusion with complications of Listeria meningitis.

A male infant, 17 months, developed portal hypertension after two exchange blood transfusions and a prolonged umbilical vein catheterization during the neonatal period. Clinical course was characterized by an early onset of splenomegaly and after a latent period of time by a massive melena and hematemesis precipitated by Listeria meningitis. Treatment for portal hypertension consisted of splenectomy and proximal gastric devascularization. The importance of proper positioning of the catheter and avoidance of extended catheterization is recommended.