ABSTRACT
Chylous ascites in neonates is an unusual and etiologically poor understood entity. We report a male newborn who suffered from abdominal distension and respiratory distress after birth. Paracentesis was performed and ascitic fluid was obstained. Analysis of the fluid revealed cell count (RBC 10,000/mm3, WBC 800/mm3: segmented form-72%, lymphocyte form- 28%), protein 4,100 mg/dl, glucose 57 mg/dl, cholesterol 53 mg/dl, triglyceride 28 mg/dl. Culture of ascitic fluid grew no bacteria. A plain film of abdomen and abdominal sonogram showed massive ascites. On the 4th hospital day, gastrografin enema showed microcolon and ileal atresia. On the 6th hospital day, ileocolostomy has been performed and operative findings sho- wed blind pouch in terminal ileum, massive inflammation and extensive adhesion on peritoneum. After operation, he gained weight by continuous gavage feeding. He discharged on the 36th hospital day.