Skimmed milk preparation in management of congenital chylothorax.

BACKGROUND: Treatment for congenital chylothorax is based on adequate drainage of the pleural fluid and total parenteral nutrition followed by re-establishment of feeds using medium-chain-triglycerides based milk formulas which are expensive and not easily available. CASE CHARACTERISTICS: Two newborns (one term and one preterm) with congenital chylothorax. INTERVENTION: Skimmed milk preparation for enteral nutrition to provide high protein and low fat diet. OUTCOME: Successful resolution of chylothorax. MESSAGE: Skimmed milk preparation may be used for enteral nutrition of babies with congenital chylothorax where other feeding alternatives or commercial formulas are either not successful or are not available.