Successful management of chylous ascites with total parenteral nutrition and octreotide in children

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of total parenteral nutrition and octreotide on pediatric patients with chylous ascites post-operative. Methods: Four patients were diagnosed with chylous ascites from Nov 2009 to Nov 2012. Total parenteral nutrition and octreotide was administered to 2 patients, while the other two only received fasting and total parenteral nutrition. All patients had persistent peritoneal drainage, with the quantity and quality of drainage fluid observed daily. Results: Two patients who received somatostatin therapy completely recovered within 7d without any recurrence while on a normal diet. The other two patients who only received fasting and total parenteral nutrition was cured 24-30d after therapy. Conclusion: Total parenteral nutrition along with octreotide can relieve the symptoms and close the chyle leakage in patients with chylous ascites rapidly. It seems to be an effective therapy available for the treatment of chylous ascites.