Renal arterial thromboembolism in neonates is most commonly related to which catheterization?

• A. Umbilical artery catheterization
• B. Umbilical venous catheterization
• C. Peripheral intravenous line
• D. Renal biopsy

Answer: (A)

Umbilical artery catheterization is the most likely cause because the catheter sits in the aorta near the origins of the renal arteries. A thrombus can form at the catheter tip or migrate from the aorta into the renal arteries, leading to renal ischemia and infarction. Keeping the catheter tip at the mid-thoracic aorta (around T6–T9) and preventing migration reduces this risk. The other options involve different organ risks (umbilical venous lines affect the liver and veins more than the renal arteries; peripheral IVs are less likely to cause renal arterial events; renal biopsy isn’t a typical source of emboli in neonates).