Sepsis results in intense disturbances in homoeostasis and is responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality in early infancy. Owing to insufficiency on part of infant to develop adequate inflammatory response to localize the infection, they usually progress to disseminated systemic infection, pneumonia and/or meningitis. We present the case of a 26 weeks preterm boy with acute digital ischemia in right index finger progressing to impending gangrene as a manifestation of septicemia. Use of topical nitroglycerin patch with meticulous monitoring successfully alleviated the impending peripheral gangrene without any adverse effects.

Individuals born with trisomy 13 tend to be susceptible to Meckel’s diverticulum. It is rarely symptomatic and reported cases are extremely rare. We describe here a neonate with feeding intolerance and bilious aspirates as a result of Meckel’s diverticulum and peritoneal band which caused intermittent volvulus with obstruction.

Pleural effusion is an extremely rare complication in neonates after umbilical venous catheterization that can present with respiratory distress, a neonatal emergency. It needs timely intervention to reduce respiratory distress. We report an interesting and rare case where a term newborn developed right-sided pleural effusion after umbilical venous catheter (UVC) insertion and starting on total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Pleural effusion was confirmed by X-ray and ultrasound and treated with intercostal drainage. The aspirated fluid was TPN, as evidenced by pleural fluid analysis. Pleural effusion resolved after removing the UVC.

Central venous lines are an essential part of neonatal intensive care and are used for infusion of medications and parenteral nutrition (PN). PN is usually given via either peripherally inserted central lines or umbilical venous lines. Occasionally, central venous catheters (CVCs) are inserted in the femoral veins. Extravasation of femoral venous catheter leading to ascites is a rare entity. This report describes the case of a neonate with a femoral CVC, who developed ascites as a result of extravasation of PN. Ascites resolved following the removal of the catheter.