Etilefrine, a sympathomimetic agent, is reportedly effective against postoperative chylothorax. However, its effectiveness in treating congenital chylothorax was unknown. We report herein a case of refractory congenital chylothorax treated with etilefrine in a late preterm neonate with massive fetal chylous pleural effusion. The chylothorax was unresponsive to previous treatments, including dietary and pharmacological treatment and thoracic duct ligation. The pleural effusion decreased after intravenous etilefrine was begun on day of life (DOL) 84 and resolved after the addition of chemical pleurodesis with OK-432 on DOL 90. This combination therapy may be a viable treatment option for cases of congenital chylothorax that are unresponsive to other treatments.

Etilefrine combined with pleurodesis may be a viable treatment option for refractory congenital chylothorax unresponsive to other treatments.

Combination Therapy with Etilefrine and Pleurodesis for Refractory Congenital Chylothorax

Key Takeaway: Etilefrine combined with pleurodesis may be a viable treatment option for refractory congenital chylothorax unresponsive to other treatments.