Case Report
Volume: 8 | Issue: 7 | Published: Aug 07, 2024 | Pages: 136 - 138 | DOI: 10.24911/ejmcr.173-1586346005
Chylous ascites in an infant, a case report and literature review
Authors: Taha Ibrahim Yousif , Sally Newbold , Nkem Onyeador , Sanjay Bansal
Article Info
Authors
Taha Ibrahim Yousif
Department of Pediatric Hepatology, King's College Hospital, London, UK Consultant Pediatrician, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Sally Newbold
Department of Pediatric Hepatology, King's College Hospital, London, UK
Nkem Onyeador
Department of Pediatric Hepatology, King's College Hospital, London, UK
Sanjay Bansal
Department of Pediatric Hepatology, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
Publication History
Received: April 08, 2020
Accepted:
Published: August 07, 2024
Abstract
Background: Chylous ascites (CA) is very rare in the pediatric population. It is defined as whitish ascitic fluid with lymphocyte predominance. Congenital CA is probably the most common cause of CA in children. We report a case of an infant with CA; the cause of which remains unidentified, with full recovery. We have included a relevant literature review as well. Case Presentation: A previously well 4-month-old baby girl was referred for worsening ascites. Despite extensive workup, no cause was found. Treatment options including diuretics, medium chain triglyceride formula (MCT) feeds, abdominal paracentesis, and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) were attempted. She recovered fully with no residual morbidity. Conclusion: CA very rare in the pediatric population. Extensive workup excluded known causes and the yield was negative. Treatment is mainly supportive. MCT formula, fasting, and TPN were reported to have variable effects. Surgery could required in limited cases.
Keywords: Congenital ascites, chylous, TPN, abdominal distension, case report, green
