ABSTRACT
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cranial leaks in neonates are rare, and only four case reports
have been published previously. Two of the previous cases were also in preterm newborns
delivered at 30 weeks gestation. We present a case of CSF leak in a premature neonate
delivered at 30 weeks gestation. Our approach to treatment was different from that
previously described. After the initial treatment with local packing bandage failed
to stop CSF leakage, local exploration with wound suturing was done, with resultant
ceasing of leakage within 12 hours of birth. This case presents a rare complication
of CSF leakage caused by internal scalp monitoring. This complication seems to be
more frequent in premature babies, thus special consideration should be taken in premature
infants before applying such monitoring.
KEYWORDS
Cerebrospinal fluid - cranial leak - premature neonate
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Arieh RiskinM.D.
Department of Neonatology, Bnai Zion Medical Center
47 Golomb Street, P.O. Box 4940
Haifa 31048, Israel