Congenital Chylothorax: Two Cases Associated With Maternal Polyhydramnios

Although spontaneous chylothorax is a rare entity in the neontal period, it is the most common cause for pleural effusion in the first few days of life.¹ In a recent review of 34 cases of congenital chylothorax,² there were three instances in which this condition was associated with maternal polyhydramnios. This report describes two additional cases of congenital chylothorax that were associated with polyhydramnios in the mother.

Report of Cases.—Case 1.—A 2,693-g boy was born at 34 to 35 weeks' gestation to a 21-year-old primigravida mother who took diazepam during her pregnancy for her "nervous condition." One month prior to delivery she developed a urinary tract infection and was treated with ampicillin. A diagnosis of polyhydramnios was also considered at that time; the diagnosis was confirmed when spontaneous rupture of the membranes occurred on the morning of delivery. Monitoring techniques disclosed fetal bradycardia shortly after saddle