A new successful therapy for fetal chylothorax by intrapleural injection of maternal blood

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Abstract
We present two cases of fetal chylothorax and hydrops diagnosed at 20 weeks' gestation, both of which underwent successful intrauterine treatment. In Case 1, a transient, near total resolution began 2 weeks after an iatrogenic hemothorax following a second thoracocentesis performed at 24 + 6 weeks. Because of pleural fluid reaccumulation, a Cesarean section was performed at 36 weeks. The 3805‐g female neonate was admitted to neonatal intensive care but was discharged 50 days later in a healthy condition. In Case 2, resolution occurred after a third thoracocentesis and a second pleural injection of maternal blood, performed at 26 weeks. A 2660‐g female neonate was delivered vaginally at 38 weeks. The infant remained asymptomatic and was discharged aged 4 days. Our experience suggests a possible useful role of intrapleural blood injection for the treatment of fetal chylothorax. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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