Povidon-iodine applied for the treatment of chylothorax in children

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the experience of non-surgical treatment of congenital and acquired chylothorax in children using povidone-iodine.Material and methods. The study presents results of treatment of 10 patients with chylothorax who had chemical pleurodesis with povidone-iodine. The study covered a time period from 2016 to 2020. The congenital character of the disease was registered in 2 patients, the acquired one - in 8 patients. The main indication for surgery was ineffective conservative therapy, including the withdrawal of feeding and the administration of preparation Octreotide. The procedure consisted of intrapleural injection of 4% povidone-iodine solution into the pleural cavity with the calculated dose of 1 ml/kg and solution exposure for 4 hours. Results. The interpleural administration of povidone-iodine was effective in all patients. Complications of chemical pleurodesis were observed in 2 patients and were associated with pulmonary edema on the injection side. Lymph outflow was stopped on average in 4 days. There was one adverse episode which developed because of the lung malformation incompatible with life. Conclusions. Intrapleural administration of povidone-iodine is an effective treatment of chylothorax in children.