CHYLOUS ASCITES COMPLICATING NEONATAL PERITONEAL-DIALYSIS

We report the development of chylous ascites in a neonate as an uncomm on complication during continuous peritoneal dialysis. Cloudy dialysis fluid containing many white blood cells might confuse the diagnosis o f chylous ascites with infective peritonitis and result in inappropria te use of antibiotics. Resolution may be critical, since chyle removal during dialysis may result in profound immunosuppression and malnutri tion due to lymphocyte and fat losses. After 4 weeks on a modified die t, the chyle leak resolved. The patient returned to breast milk and co ntinues nighttime continuous-cycle peritoneal dialysis without further chyle leak.