| Successful antenatal treatment of early fetal chylothorax with OK-432 pleurodesis. |
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Ga Won Yim, Ja Young Kwon, Yong Won Park, Young Han Kim |
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Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. yhkim522@yuhs.ac |
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| Abstract |
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Fetal chylothorax is a rare congenital manifestation that shows variable clinical outcome ranging from complete spontaneous resolution to progression into hydrops or lung hypoplasia. There is no consensus in the literature as to the optimal antenatal management despite several complications such as preterm delivery, pulmonary hypoplasia, and perinatal death. Pleuroamniotic shunting has been the treatment of choice in fetal chylothorax. Recently, new fetal therapy such as OK-432 (Picibanil) pleurodesis is being introduced. Herein, we present two cases of women referred at early 2nd trimester because of fetal hydrothorax by routine ultrasonography. Cytology obtained by thoracocentesis revealed abundant lymphocytes, suggesting chylothorax. Effusion was aspirated and OK-432 (Picibanil) was injected into the pleural space of fetus. On follow up ultrasonography, the pleural effusion was nearly resolved by adhesion of the intrathoracic space and resulted in the delivery of a healthy neonate. Intrapleural OK-432 injection may be feasible therapeutic option for selected cases in early 2nd trimester with persistent chylothorax for effective control of pleural effusion with no adverse effects. |
| Key Words:
Chylothorax, Pleural effusion, Pleurodesis, Picibanil |
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