Exploration of stratified treatment plans for neonatal congenital chylothorax
10.3760/cma.j.cn11903-20240612-00439
- VernacularTitle:新生儿先天性乳糜胸分层治疗方案探讨
- Author:
Lei LIU
1
;
Yajuan WANG
;
Xuefang YANG
;
Yijun DING
Author Information
1. 首都医科大学附属北京儿童医院新生儿中心，北京 100045
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Chylothorax;
Congenital;
Newborn;
Treatment
- From:
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine
2025;28(3):241-246
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To explore the stratified treatment plan process for neonatal congenital chylothorax by summarizing its clinical treatment characteristics.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 36 neonates with congenital chylothorax treated at the Department of Neonatology of Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2021. Based on different treatment methods and initial drainage volumes, the cases were divided into the conservative treatment group [initial drainage volume<20 ml/(kg·d), n=20], octreotide group [initial drainage volume ≥20-<30 ml/(kg·d), n=4], erythromycin group [initial drainage volume ≥30-<50 ml/(kg·d), n=6], and octreotide plus erythromycin group [initial drainage volume≥50 ml/(kg·d), n=6]. The clinical characteristics and treatment effects of the children in different treatment groups, as well as the choice of further treatment plans, were summarized to determine the timing of different treatment methods. A more standardized stratified treatment plan was formulated by combining the literature. Results:Among the 36 cases of congenital chylothorax, 18 cases (50.0%) were diagnosed in utero, with no intrauterine intervention. In the conservative treatment group, 20 cases were treated with respiratory support, thoracic drainage, and nutritional therapy. Except for one case who was discharged after abandoning treatment, the remaining 19 cases were cured. In the octreotide group, four children received continuous intravenous infusion of octreotide at doses ranging from 1 to 10 μg/(kg·h), with three cases improving and one case being cured. No adverse effects such as hypoglycemia, thyroid dysfunction, or neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis occurred. In the group of six children who received intrapleural erythromycin injections, the dosage of erythromycin was 25-30 mg/kg, and the median thoracic drainage volume was reduced to approximately 50% of the pre-treatment volume after 3-5 injections, with four cases improving and two cases being cured. In the group of six children who received octreotide combined with erythromycin, treatment involved the intravenous infusion of octreotide along with intrapleural erythromycin injections. Four cases showed improvement, and two cases were cured. Based on previous treatments and a comprehensive review of the literature, a stratified treatment flowchart with invasiveness ranging from low to high was finally formed. Conclusions:For congenital chylothorax, a stratified treatment approach is recommended based on initial drainage volume and the response to treatment. This approach ranges from conservative treatment to pharmacological treatment (intravenous infusion of octreotide). For children with poor outcomes, surgical treatment (intrapleural erythromycin injection or other surgical interventions) can be added.
