Neonatal aortic thrombosis: recent experience.

To evaluate the course, use of diagnostic modalities, management, and outcome of aortic thrombosis associated with umbilical artery catheterization, we reviewed 20 cases of aortic thrombosis diagnosed by ultrasonography (n = 16) or aortography (n = 4) over 4 years. Fourteen of 20 infants had severe perinatal asphyxia, suggesting that asphyxia predisposes to aortic thrombosis. Ultrasonography provided information about the size, location, and configuration of the thrombus and was useful in following thrombus size with therapy.

Meconium below the vocal cords at delivery: correlation with intrapartum events.

Intrapartum events were studied in 272 patients with meconium-stained amniotic fluid. All infants underwent DeLee suction followed by intubation and 58 of 272 had meconium present below the vocal cords at delivery. Neither the total duration of variable fetal heart rate decelerations or a continuous saltatory pattern nor the presence or absence of late decelerations could be related to an increased risk of meconium below the vocal cords.