Congenital neonatal chylothorax with hydrops fetalis treated with octreotide

Congenital idiopathic chylothorax is the most common form of pleural effusion in neonates. It results from collection of lymphatic fluid in the pleural space secondary to leakage from the thoracic duct or one of its main tributaries. Chylothorax complicated by hydrops fetalis in a premature or term infant is an uncommon, serious clinical problem. We report on two cases with congenital chylothorax both treated with octreotide. One of the cases responded well to octreotide treatment, while the other did not. We conclude that octreotide should be considered in the treatment of neonatal chylothorax.