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.