Chylothorax: a novel therapy.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To report a novel therapy for chylothorax. DESIGN: Case report. PATIENT: Severely ill neonate with congestive heart failure and high surgical risk. INTERVENTIONS: Standard therapy for chylous effusion with the addition of pressure control ventilation and positive end-expiratory pressure (high mean airway pressure). RESULTS: Rapid resolution of effusion with elimination of excessive fluid needs and correction of coagulation profile. CONCLUSION: Increasing mean airway pressure by pressure control ventilation and positive end-expiratory pressure should be considered as a therapeutic intervention in patients with persistent chylous effusions.