Journal of pediatric surgery
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Refractory chylothorax is a severe clinical issue, particularly in neonates. Conventional primary approach is based on diet with medium-chain fatty acids and/or total parenteral nutrition. In nonresponders, proposed second line treatments include chemical or surgical pleurodesis, thoracic duct ligation, pleuroperitoneal shunting and pleurectomy but none of these have been shown to be superior to other in terms of resolution rate and safety. Our aim is to report our experience on povidone-iodine use for chemical pleurodesis in newborn infants with chylothorax unresponsive to conservative treatment. Our aim is to report our experience on povidone-iodine use for chemical pleurodesis in newborn infants with chylothorax unresponsive to conservative treatment. ⋯ Our data suggest that povidone-iodine pleurodesis may be considered a safe and effective option to treat refractory chylothorax in newborns.