MANAGEMENT OF POST-SURGICAL COMPLICATIONS IN A NEONATE CHYLOTHORAX: A CASE REPORT

Ana-Maria Gheorghe; C. Cîrstoveanu

doi:10.33695/jss.v4i2.31

Ana-Maria Gheorghe The University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, Romania
C. Cîrstoveanu The University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, Romania & Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children Clinical Emergency Hospital “Marie Curie”, Bucharest, Romania

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33695/jss.v4i2.31

Keywords: chylothorax, octreotide, esophageal atresia

Abstract

Post-surgical chylothorax in neonates is a life-threatening condition which requires immediate diagnostic and treatment. The diagnosis is based on pleural fluid examination, which contains high levels of triglycerides and high cell count, mainly lymphocytes. The treatment consists in drainage, dietary changes, Somatostatin or its analogue Octreotide, pleurodesis or even surgical management. There are no evidence-based guidelines in chylothorax management, which makes the treatment election heavier. We report a newborn with chylothorax developed after primary repair of esophageal atresia with tracheo-esophageal fistula. The aim of this case report is to highlight the significance of post-surgical monitoring, anticipating the outcomes and rapidly managing the post-surgical complications.