Use of Skim Breast Milk for an Infant With Chylothorax

Abstract

This case study describes the management of an infant who developed chylothorax as a complication of surgical repair for congenital heart disease. The challenges of successfully providing skim breast milk to an infant who requires modification of breast milk are presented. Expressed breast milk can be fractionated to produce either a fat-free (skim) or higher fat milk (hind milk). Infants with chylothorax require a diet low in long-chain fatty acids to minimize accumulation of chylous effusions into the pleural cavity. A diet regimen of skim breast milk fortified with additional fat, calories, and essential fatty acids can provide the immune and nutritional benefits of breast milk without exacerbating chylous effusions.