Bacillus cereus cerebral abscesses in a term neonate with Rhesus hemolytic disease treated with exchange transfusion

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Smits-Wintjens, Vivianne E.H.J. | Steggerda, Sylke J. | Oepkes, Dick | van Kamp, Inge L. | Kramer, Christine M. | Walther, Frans J. | Lopriore, Enrico

Affiliations: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands | Department of Obstetrics, Division of Fetal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands | Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Note: [] Correspondence: Dr. Enrico Lopriore, MD, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 71 5262909; Fax: +31 71 5248199; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Exchange transfusion (ET) is the most effective method for treatment of severe hyperbilirubinemia and is often required in Rhesus hemolytic disease of the newborn. The use of ET is also associated with adverse reactions, including severe catheter related infectious complications. We report a term neonate with Rhesus hemolytic disease of the newborn treated with an ET through an umbilical venous catheter who developed brain abscesses due to a Bacillus cereus sepsis. This severe complication has not previously been reported. We discuss possible causes for this severe infection and provide suggestions on prevention.

Keywords: Rh isoimmunization, exchange transfusion, brain abscess, Bacillus cereus

DOI: 10.3233/JPI-2010-0251

Journal: Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 277-280, 2010