Chylous ascites complicating neonatal peritoneal dialysis

We report the development of chylous ascites in a neonate as an uncommon complication during continuous peritoneal dialysis. Cloudy dialysis fluid containing many white blood cells might confuse the diagnosis of chylous ascites with infective peritonitis and result in inappropriate use of antibiotics. Resolution may be critical, since chyle removal during dialysis may result in profound immunosuppression and malnutrition due to lymphocyte and fat losses. After 4 weeks on a modified diet, the chyle leak resolved. The patient returned to breast milk and continues nighttime continuous-cycle peritoneal dialysis without further chyle leak.