Povidone Iodine Pleurodesis for Refractory Congenital Chylothorax: A Review of Literature

Abstract

Background: Povidone iodine (PVI) pleurodesis is commonly used in adult. However, this procedure is still nonconsensual in newborns.

Aims: This article aimed to report a new case of refractory congenital chylothorax (CCT) managed with PVI pleurodesis with a review of previousreported cases.

Methods: a systematic review of similar cases published in PubMed. Clinical patterns, therapeutic modalities and outcome variables werereported.

Result: In a full term neonate presenting refractory CCT, PVI pleurodesis was performed at day 16 of life by one intrapleural instillation of PVI4% with rapid success and no side effects. Renal function and thyroid tests stilled normal before and after instillation. The analysis of 18 casesreported in Medeline and our observation provided the following data: this procedure was successful without side effects in 11/19 cases. Severeside effects were reported in four patients with high risks before procedure.

Conclusion: PVI pleurodesis seems to be effective and inoffensive in the management of refractory CCT. It may be a good alternative tosurgery. Nevertheless, randomized studies on large neonatal population are required to precise: the risks and benefits of this procedure, thetiming and the modalities of its realization (duration of intervention, dilution and dosage of PVI) according to the patient`s field (gestational age,weight and associated morbidity).