The successful treatment of chylous effusions in malignant disease with octreotide

Chylous effusions in adults are commonly associated with malignant disease. Although the condition is rare, their occurrence presents a significant management problem. A review of the literature demonstrates the high mortality of this condition in the past from cachexia and infection or after surgical attempts at correction. The first report of somatostatin use in chylous effusions was a decade ago. Since 2000, case reports of successful treatment in infants and neonates with intravenous somatostatin or octreotide have been published. For adults, few reports exist. We describe a case series of seven patients, all with malignancy. In each case, there was a systematic approach to treatment using subcutaneous octreotide and a fat-free diet, resulting in complete resolution of the condition. Although no guidelines are available for the management of chylous effusions, our non-invasive approach avoided lymphangiogram, surgery and allowed early discharge.