Chylothorax in children, A retrospective studya€Ž

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, risk factors, laboratory findings and outcomes of chylothorax in children. Material and Methods : Nemazee hospital database (affiliated hospital to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran) were used to identify cases with chylothorax. Medical records including records of daily management were reviewed. Results: From April 2004 to April 2009, there were 14 cases of chylothorax. Incidence of chylothorax was significantly higher with Balalock Taussig procedures. Nutritional management included low fat diet, enteral feedings enriched with medium-chain triglycerides, and parenteral nutrition. Five patients were treated with octreotide. Duration of hospitalization in these patients was 10±4 days that was significantly lower than others (28±5, p=0.003). One patient with post-operation pulmonary hypertension experienced sudden death 2 days after administration of octreotide. Conclusion: Somatostatin analogs can be helpful in management of chylothorax and its use decreases hospital stay although there are not enough data regarding complications and mortality with this drug in children.

Keywords

• chylothorax, infants, newborn, pleural effusion, somatostatin