Decompressive Fasciotomy in an Extremely Preterm Newborn with Compartment Syndrome

A preterm newborn boy (birth weight 650 g) was born at 256/7 weeks of gestational age; premature rupture of membranes occurred 84 hours before delivery, which was performed by emergency caesarean delivery because of transverse lie and evidence of the left lower limb in the vagina. Antepartum betamethasone treatment was completed. At birth, the child was intubated and required cardiopulmonary resuscitation because of bradycardia and respiratory distress. Apgar score was 2, 5, and 6 at 1, 5, and 10 minutes, respectively. Extensive edema and bruising of the left lower limb were noticed, with other smaller ecchymosis on the upper limbs. A radiograph ruled out bone fractures. Laboratory investigations revealed mild thrombocytopenia (platelets130 000/mm3), and elevation of aspartate aminotransferase (213 U/L).