Common Etiologies of Neonatal Pleural Effusion

Abstract

Pleural effusions in the neonatal stage may result from chylothorax, hydrops fetalis, extravasation of percutaneously inserted central venous catheter, parapneumonic effusion, congestive heart failure, or other less frequently occurring conditions. Diagnostic chest tap is required for subsequent management. Good outcome is the rule except in hydrops fetalis, which carries high mortality rate.