ABSTRACT
Central venous catheter devices have revolutionized the intensive care management of neonates requiring indwelling vein or artery catheterization. Unfortunately, thrombosis related to their placement continues to be a therapeutically challenging complication in terms of diagnosis, prophylaxis against thrombosis and also treatment of established thrombosis within the catheter. Once clot formation occurs the catheter may be salvaged using either/or antithrombotic or antifibrinolytic agents. However, it should always be remembered that these therapeutics pose special risks in the neonatal age group. It should also be remembered that whilst, although very uncommon, death from venous thromboembolic disease in young children does occur. Therefore early detection of such thrombotic events and adequate treatment are absolutely mandatory in this group of children.
