SPONTANEOUS CHYLOTHORAX IN INFANCY

Abstract

Chylothorax in infants is so rare that there is no consensus on its prognosis and management. The meager data available indicate that the prognosis of spontaneous chylothorax of the acquired type is much better than that of congenital type. The same meager data afford no optimism for surgical treatment of chylothorax in infants, inasmuch as no record of successful surgical correction of chylothorax in infancy was found. An instance of spontaneous chylothorax is reported, and available data are reviewed for light on management and prognosis. <h3>REPORT OF A CASE</h3> E. D. G., an 8 week old white baby girl, was admitted to the University Hospital with a history of a normal delivery at term.and an entirely normal progress to one week prior to admission. Her birth weight was 9 pounds (4,080 Gm.), and at 7 weeks she weighed 12 pounds 5 ounces (5,585 Gm.). She had been given a formula