Octreotide for treatment of chylothorax after repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Chylothorax is a recognized cause of morbidity after repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Management may include prolonged hospitalization with cessation of enteral feedings, repeated aspiration, chest tube drainage, total parenteral nutrition, and introduction of a medium chain triglyceride (MCT) diet as the effusion resolves. The authors report that the successful deployment of octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, hastened resolution of a postoperative chylothorax in a newborn infant with CDH.