Medical nutrition therapy for a patient presenting with a chylothorax

  • Vanessa Kotzé University of Pretoria
  • Nadia Van Schalkwyk Themba Hospital
Keywords: medical nutrition therapy, chylothorax

Abstract

A chylothorax can be defined as a leakage of chylous fluid from an abnormal or damaged thoracic duct or a main branch thereof, after an injury or obstruction in the pleural cavity. Management of a chylothorax includes surgical and conservative medical treatment that includes medical nutrition therapy. However, there is no clear evidence yet as to whether enteral nutrition or parenteral nutrition is the preferred nutrition support option for medical nutrition therapy.

Author Biographies

Vanessa Kotzé, University of Pretoria
RD(SA) Lecturer Department of Human Nutrition University of Pretoria
Nadia Van Schalkwyk, Themba Hospital
RD(SA) Dietitian Themba Hospital Mpumalanga
Published
2013-09-20
How to Cite
Kotzé, V., & Van Schalkwyk, N. (2013). Medical nutrition therapy for a patient presenting with a chylothorax. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 26(3), 152-155. Retrieved from http://www.sajcn.co.za/index.php/SAJCN/article/view/809
Section
SASPEN Case Study