Congenital Chylous Ascites: A Rare Cause of Infantile Ascites Treated With MCT-Based Diet and Octreotide

Congenital chylous ascites (CCAs) are a rare disease that results from the accumulation of chylomicron-rich lymphatic fluid within the peritoneal cavity due to maldevelopment of the intra-abdominal lymphatic system. Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT)-based diet, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and repeated paracentesis are considered supportive management for CCA. Cases unresponsive to conservative treatment usually require surgical intervention. We report a case of CCA in a premature neonate treated successfully with intravenous infusion of octreotide (synthetic somatostatin analog), after failing to respond to supportive therapies. Due to the lack of standards in diagnosis and treatment, this disease constitutes a medical challenge, and individual therapy seems to be noteworthy.