Intrapleural injection of OK-432 as the primary in-utero treatment for fetal chylothorax.

Abstract

Chylothorax is a rare congenital condition associated with significant perinatal mortality and morbidity. Previous treatments with repeated thoracocentesis or thoracoamniotic shunting were technically demanding, and associated with significant procedure-related complications and neonatal complications. Here we report the first successful case in Hong Kong treated by a simple and effective intervention, namely pleurodesis with OK-432, in a fetus presenting at 20 weeks of gestation with bilateral pleural effusion.