The use of hydrophilic central venous catheters, percutaneously inserted by means of the Seldinger technique, was evaluated in this prospective study. Between 1988 and 1991, 138 catheters were inserted in newborns who were admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit. An adequate position of the tip, evaluated radiographically, was achieved in 130 (94.2%) of these insertions. The side effects associated with these 130 catheters and the duration of their use were recorded. Results were compared with those of percutaneously inserted Silastic catheters described in the literature. The rate of adequate catheter placement seems comparable. Because of a high rate of minor mechanical complications, the mean catheter duration was rather short (8.3 days). However, the incidence of serious complications, especially infectious complications, was low. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 19:151–155, 1995)

In 1987 a mixture for exchange transfusion was introduced in the Netherlands. It was composed of citrated red cells, heparinized plasma and third-party platelets if necessary. Selected biochemical and haematological properties of this mixture were compared to fresh heparinized whole blood, which was at that time the blood product of choice for exchange transfusion. The parameters of the mixture were less physiological than fresh heparinized whole blood. In addition, retrospective analysis of the same parameters was performed upon 149 blood samples from newborn infants who had undergone exchange transfusion. The bilirubin decreasing capacity of the mixture was adequate. Most other parameters did not change considerably and remained within the physiological range. This mixture may be an adequate product for exchange transfusion. However, to be certain of its safety and suitability, several other biochemical and haematological aspects must be studied in addition to the immunological and infectious risks.