Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Chylous ascites: total parenteral nutrition as primary therapeutic modality

  • Neonatology
  • Published:
European Journal of Pediatrics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A female infant with Down syndrome and congenital chylous ascites presented at birth with respiratory distress secondary to marked abdominal distension. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and paracentesis were the primary therapeutic modality. On hyperalimentation, however, ascites initially recurred, requiring additional paracenteses to improve respiratory distress. The chylous ascites, lymphopenia and hypoalbuminemia were relieved after 10 weeks of TPN administration. We recommend a long-term course (10 weeks) of TPN before an exploratory laparatomy and possible surgical intervention are considered.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Abbreviations

TPN:

total parenteral nutrition

References

  1. Asch MJ, Sherman NJ (1979) Management of refractory chylous ascites by total parenteral nutrition. J Pediatr 94:260–262

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Bach AC, Babayan VK (1982) Medium-chain triglycerides: an update. Am J Clin Nutr 36:950–962

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Cochran WJ, Klish WJ, Brown MR, Lyons JM, Curtis T (1985) Chylous ascites in infants and children: a case report and literature review. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 4:668–753

    Google Scholar 

  4. Cronk CE (1978) Growth of children with Down's syndrome: birth to age 3 years. Pediatrics 61:564–568

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. McKendry JBJ, Lindsay WK, Gerstein MC (1957) Congenital defects of the lymphatics in infancy. Pediatrics 19:21–34

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Press OW, Press NO, Kaufman SD (1982) Evaluation and management of chylous ascites. Ann Intern Med 96:358–364

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Ruhrah J (1934) A note on the history of chylous ascites. Am J Dis Child 47:629–631

    Google Scholar 

  8. Smeltzer DM, Stickler GB, Fleming RE (1986) Primary lymphatic dysplasia in children: chylothorax, chylous ascites, and generalized lymphatic dysplasia. Eur J Pediatr 145:286–292

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Sturmer FC (1965) Infantile chylous ascites: review of literature and case report. Am Surg 31:281–284

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Author notes

  1. P. Alliët

    Present address: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gastro-enterology and Nutrition, Children's Hospital, Buffalo, NY, USA

    P. Alliët & C. Young

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Hahnemann School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa, USA

    E. Lebenthal

Authors
  1. P. Alliët
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. C. Young
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. E. Lebenthal
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Alliët, P., Young, C. & Lebenthal, E. Chylous ascites: total parenteral nutrition as primary therapeutic modality. Eur J Pediatr 151, 213–214 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01954387

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01954387

Key words

Search

Navigation