Effect of intrapleural injection of erythromycin on congenital refractory chylothorax in the newborn

Purpose: To investigate the therapeutic effect of intrapleural injection of erythromycin on congenital refractory chylothorax in the newborn, in order to provide a more efficient approach for its treatment.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with 13 cases of congenital chylothorax in newborns that received conventional treatment and intrapleural injection of erythromycin.Results: A total of 10 out of 13 child patients (76.9 %) received active treatment. Furthermore, the patients who received the intrapleural injection of erythromycin were administered the injection a total of 1 - 3 times (1.5 ± 0.6) on the average with the dose ranging from 80 – 210 mg (mean, 126.5 ± 32.7 mg). Thereafter, they received continuous drainage for 7 – 12 days (mean time, 10.2 d). Drainage volume ranged from 50 - 150ml (mean, 84.3 ± 35.2 mL). Patients that did not receive the erythromycin treatment received continuous drainage for 5 – 13 d (mean, 8.6 day), with the drainage volume ranging from 67 - 132 mL (mean, 92.3 ± 25.6 mL).Conclusion: Therefore, intrapleural injection of erythromycin has a certain therapeutic effect on congenital refractory chylothorax in the newborn. Keywords: Erythromycin intrapleural injection, Congenital refractory chylothorax, Newborn