DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF CONGENITAL CHYLOTHORAX - 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

The work presents prenatal diagnosis, treatment and care options in fetuses and neonates with congenital chylothorax based on a detailed evaluation of 14 cases recorded in our department between years 1993 and 2012. Generalized fetal hydrops was described in 29% of cases, therapeutic amnio drainage performed in 71% and prenatal thoracentesis in 21% of cases. 78% of fetuses were delivered spontaneously; thoracic drainage was necessary nine days after birth in average. Mortality reached 29%. The following text describes diagnostic algorithms, prenatal and post natal therapeutic options with emphasis on the need for interdisciplinary cooperation.