Successful management of congenital chylous ascites in a premature infant using somatostatin analogue

Abstract

Congenital chylous ascites (CCA) is a rare disease defined as the accumulation of chylomicron-rich lymphatic fluid within the peritoneal cavity, resulting from maldevelopment of the intra-abdominal lymphatic system. Cases unresponsive to conservative treatment usually require surgical intervention. We report a case of CCA in a premature neonate, who was treated successfully with intravenous infusion of octreotide, a synthetic somatostatin analogue after failure to response to traditional supportive therapies.