Total parenteral nutrition as a primary therapeutic modality for congenital chylous ascites: report of one case.

Congenital chylous ascites in the neonatal period is a rare entity. It is primarily related to congenital abnormalities of the lymphatics. We present a case in which ascites was detected by prenatal ultrasonogram. No evidence of congenital cytomegalovirus infection, intrauterine meconium peritonitis, or intestinal or genitourinary system abnormalities was found. Congenital chylous ascites was confirmed via an abdominal sonogram and diagnostic paracentesis. After 26 days of NPO and total parenteral nutrition, the newborn hadfully recovered.