Bilateral fetal chylothorax: results of unilateral in utero therapy.

The optimal method for antenatal treatment of pleural effusions from congenital chylothorax unknown. A fetus with bilateral congenital chylothorax and hydrops had a pleural catheter placed in utero on only one side of the fetal chest for 14 days prior to delivery. The fetal hydrops partially resolved. After birth there was significantly less drainage from the pleural space that had been antenatally drained. This case demonstrates potential neonatal advantages of pleuro-amniotic shunt placement.