Spontaneous Pneumothorax in a Term Neonate: A Case Report

Abstract

Spontaneous pneumothorax does not occur frequently in the newborn. The prevalence of spontaneous neonatal pneumothorax is twice in male as in female neonates. It should be suspected in any neonate with respiratory distress. In this article, we present a 2.6 kg term male neonate who developed respiratory distress 14 h after birth. An urgent chest X-ray anteroposterior was ordered for evaluation. Chest X-ray revealed a left-sided pneumothorax along with mediastinal and tracheal shift to the opposite side which was suggestive of tension pneumothorax. If considerable distress persists, continuous drainage of the pneumothorax should be provided by means of an intercostal drainage and an underwater seal.

Expectant management in symptomatic spontaneous pneumothorax in a newborn: A case report

“…In large pneumothorax, a flattening of diaphragm and shift of the mediastinum can be visualized from chest x-ray. 3,17,18 Tension pneumothorax is suspected when there is collapse of the affected lung and mediastinal shift to the opposite side. 15,17,18 The management of spontaneous pneumothorax include watchful waiting, needle thoracentesis or chest tube drainage.…”

“…3,17,18 Tension pneumothorax is suspected when there is collapse of the affected lung and mediastinal shift to the opposite side. 15,17,18 The management of spontaneous pneumothorax include watchful waiting, needle thoracentesis or chest tube drainage. To date, no global consensus for the management of spontaneous pneumothorax in pediatric, particularly in neonatal population.…”

“…9,20 Clinical improvement of pneumothorax did not differ between expectant and active management with median time of 24-48 hours. 5,6,14,18,19 Inhalation of 100% oxygen for nitrogen washout to increase the air reabsorption hastened the duration from 48 hours to 8-12 hours. 4 However, retinopathy of prematurity in term infants and risk of epithelium damage and impairment of mucociliary clearance were reported from exposure of high oxygen concentration.…”