Pneumothorax in a preterm neonate: A case report

Abstract

A pneumothorax is an abnormal collection of air in the pleural space between the lung and chest wall. Although this condition commonly occurs in adults, it can also present as complication in neonates requiring assisted ventilation and has high morbidity and mortality. Chest tube placement and needle drainage are some common approaches in management. A late preterm infant born at 35+2 weeks of gestation was admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for the management of respiratory distress. He was kept on mechanical Continuous Positive Airway Pressure owing to worsening respiratory distress. Chest X-ray revealed pneumothorax that was successfully managed with venous catheter drainage on second intercostal space with underwater seal. He was discharge on 10th day of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission with stable vitals and normal breathing pattern.