Abstract

GUZMAN T, Fernando; MORALES G, Dimas  and  GUERRERO H, Yusbelys A. Neumotórax en el recién nacido: Experiencia de un servicio de cirugía de tórax. Arch Venez Puer Ped [online]. 2008, vol.71, n.1, pp.17-22. ISSN 0004-0649.

Objectives: To evaluate the experience of Thoracic Surgery Service in the diagnosis and treatment of pneumothorax in newborn at the Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo. Methods: 23 newborn with pneumothorax were evaluated by the Thoracic Surgery Service in the Pediatric Emergency Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Neonatology Service between the years 2000-2004. Data was collected regarding gestational age, complications during the pregnancy, physical exam, diagnostic studies, treatment and evolution of the patients. Results: 13 (56.52%) were males, with mean gestational age of 35 +/- 2.5 weeks. 12 (52.17%) were born by caesarean section and 11(47.82%) by vaginal delivery. 10 newborns had history of resuscitation manoeuvres (43.47%). Pneumothorax was located in left hemithorax in 8 newborn (34.78%), right hemithorax in 14 newborn (60.86%) and both hemithorax in 1 newborn (4.47%). 22 (95.65%) presented respiratory distress. Treatment included observation in 2 newborns with pneumothorax < 25%, and tube thoracostomy in 21 (91.30%) with pneumothorax > 25%. Conclusion: Pneumothorax is a complication seen mainly in newborns with low Apgar score and those who required resuscitation manoeuvres and almost always presents with respiratory distress. Pneumothorax < 25% can be treated with observation and serial radiology but those > 25%.will require tube thoracostomy.

Keywords : pneumothorax; caesarean; resuscitation; newborn.