Hepatic injury: a possible complication of dopamine infusion through an inappropriately placed umbilical vein catheter

Am J Perinatol. 1984 Jul;1(4):351-4. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-1000038.

Abstract

A 34-week preterm infant was evaluated for direct hyperbilirubinemia and hepatomegaly at 2 weeks of age. Dopamine had been used in the management of hypotension in the early neonatal period; the drug had been inappropriately infused into the right branch of the portal vein. Ultrasonography of the abdomen at 2 weeks showed mild hepatomegaly and a hypoechoic area in the right lobe of the liver posteriorly. Follow-up ultrasonogram at 3 months showed the liver to be of normal size and echogenicity. Hyperbilirubinemia was resolved by 3 1/2 weeks. No other problems were specifically related to the hepatic injury.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Catheters, Indwelling / adverse effects*
  • Dopamine / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Hyaline Membrane Disease / drug therapy*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infusions, Parenteral / adverse effects
  • Jaundice, Neonatal / therapy
  • Liver / injuries*
  • Portal Vein
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Dopamine