Neonatal chylothorax

ABSTRACT

Chylothorax is the most common form of pleural effusion encountered in neonates. It is defined as abnormal accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the pleural space. It may be either congenital or an acquired condition. It causes respiratory and nutritional problems and significant mortality rate. Neonatal chylothorax respond to octreotide treatment. Octreotide is a long-acting somatostatin analog that can reduce lymphatic fluid production and has been used as a new strategy in the treatment of chylothorax.'' Initial management may include restriction of enteral feedings. Authors report a case of newborn baby born to gravida 2 mother at 32'2 weeks of gestation with left sided pleural effusion subsequently confirmed to be a congenital chylothorax with patent ductus arteriosus. USG guided tap was done, and milky fluid was aspirated.