Oral sildenafil, an alternative treatment for congenital chylothorax - Case presentation and review of the literature
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Background. Congenital chylothorax is a rare but potentially lethal condition characterized by the accumulation of chyle in the pleural cavity during fetal life. The etiology is vast, and treatment is challenging. Thus, different approaches are followed, but no standardized guidelines are available. The general strategy is to initiate supportive, conservative therapy, and as needed, more invasive procedures may be used to reduce the chylous accumulation and allow the lymphatic system to develop or heal. Octreotide is the most frequently used drug in congenital chylothorax treatment. In the absence of somatostatin analogs, other medications, like sildenafil, have been used in several cases with success. We present a case of a late preterm infant who responded positively to oral sildenafil treatment. Conclusion. There is a considerable need for randomized studies to achieve standardized therapeutic algorithms.
Source: The Newborn Reviews & Research
Authors: Marta Simon, Andrea Tóth, Zsuzsanna Gáll, Monika Rusneac, Manuela Cucerea
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4404042846