Chylothorax: a novel therapy.

Abstract

To report a novel therapy for chylothorax. Case report. Severely ill neonate with congestive heart failure and high surgical risk. Standard therapy for chylous effusion with the addition of pressure control ventilation and positive end-expiratory pressure (high mean airway pressure). Rapid resolution of effusion with elimination of excessive fluid needs and correction of coagulation profile. 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.