Özet:

Background: Invasive procedures are increasingly used in neonatal intensive care units. Umbilical catheters are frequently attached to preterm babies. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship and risk factors of umbilical catheters inserted in our clinic with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated preterm infants with a gestational age of 32 weeks and below, who had a umbilical vein catheter (UVC) inserted in our neonatal intensive care unit between 01 October 2017 and 31 December 2018, and who had a catheter inserted for at least 6 hours. UVC inserted cases were evaluated for portal venous doppler ultrasonograpy (USG) examination before discharge. Perinatal risk factors and properties related to catheter were evaluated. Results: A total of 142 patients underwent UVC insertion. Doppler USG results of 118 patients were achieved. In 15 (9.9%) cases, portal vein thrombosis was detected by doppler USG. None of the patients with PVT had clinical findings. The mean gestational age and birth weight were lower in patients with PVT. Thrombosis was detected in the left branch of portal vein in 14 patients and thrombosis in the main portal vein in one patient. In a patient with PVT, gestational diabetes was present in the mother. Patients with PVT had higher rates of late neonatal sepsis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and the length of hospitalization was longer. In this group, the low placement rate of the catheter was higher, and the length of catheter stay was longer than other group. Conclusions: Umbilical vein catheterization is an important risk factor for the development of PVT. Especially low birth weight infants with UVC should be evaluated with portal doppler USG for PVT.