Octreotide

The use of SC or IV octreotide, a long-acting synthetic analog of somatostatin, provides a promising pharmacologic approach to reducing drainage in selected patients with a congenital or postoperative chylothorax, who do not respond to conservative treatment strategies. Prompt institution of octreotide therapy after surgery in patients with significant drainage or the formation of chyle may reduce the expense and morbidity associated with a prolonged hospital stay. Given the individual variability in patient response to octreotide and the limited clinical data regarding its use in the pediatric population, octreotide therapy must be individualized with careful consideration being given to possible benefits versus inherent risks.