Colonic Perforation after Exchange Transfusion

Abstract

WHEN a "new" complication of an "old" procedure is reported, one cannot help wondering whether it is really "new" or just previously overlooked. Recently, there were two reports of 10 cases of colonic perforation and peritonitis in newborn infants following exchange transfusion.^{1 , 2} Two similar cases have been observed in Canada.³ Sporadic cases had previously been reported, but the association with exchange transfusion has not received much attention. It must be a rare complication. Its appearance now, however, may be due to subtle changes in the technic of exchange transfusion that have occurred over the years. For example, it is now . . .