| Objective: To understand more about neonatal chylothorax and improve treatment.Method: 7 cases of neonatal chylothorax from 2007 to 2015 at our hospital, were retrospectively studied, and from clinical records, examinations, treatment and prognosis,the following analysis was made.Results : 6 cases were full-term baby and 1 case was preterm infant. All cases showed shortness of breath and decreased breath sounds. The imaging examinations demonstrated pleural effusion, out of which 2 cases were examined by prenatal ultrasound. 2 cases reported bilateral pleural effusion, 3 cases showed left pleural effusion and the 2 remaining cases were right pleural effusion among the seven patients. Their pleural effusion were consistent with chylous fluid test.The complications included anemia(6 cases), pneumonia(4 cases), sepsis(1 case), and hypoproteinemia(3 cases). 7 cases were treated by conservative treatment,such as the regulation of diet,the thoracic puncture or drainage, anti infection,and infusion of concentrated red cells or albumin.2 cases combined closed thoracic drainage and the chemical pleurodesis with sapylin among them. Their course duration were 10~63 days. 5 cases were cured or improved after conservative treatment,hospitalization lasted(23.2±22.8) days.2 cases were cured by pleurodesis, and the days of postoperative hospital stay were(7.5±0.7) days.Conclusion:Neonatal chylothorax can be diagnosed according to the imaging examination of the chest and the detection of pleural effusion.They mostly can be cured by conservatively, such as low fat diet, intravenous nutrition and closed thoracic drainage,While the hospital days quite long by this treatment.The chemical pleurodesis with sapylin was safe, effective and rapid for neonatal chylothorax. It can be used for the treatment of refractory chylothorax. For some severe cases, we can try conservative treatment together with the chemical pleurodesis of sapylin early to shorten the course of disease and reduce the risk of infection. |
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