Milky Colour Ascitic Fluid in Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome: Pseudochylous Ascites

Abstract

In normal conditions, ascitic fluid is clear to pale yellow. The causes of milky colour ascitic fluid in children includes spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, chylous ascites and pseudochylous ascites. Pseudochylous ascites is an uncommon clinical entity in children. Nephrotic syndrome rarely causes pseudochylous ascites. Here the present authors report a case of 24-month-old child (male) who presented with clinical features of nephrotic syndrome. Diagnostic paracentesis was done which strikingly showed milky colour ascitic fluid. Physical appearance of ascitic fluid and laboratory findings were consistent with nephrotic syndrome associated with pseudochylous ascites. He was started on medical treatment and is under regular follow-up. Pseudochylous ascites should be considered in differential diagnosis of milky colour ascitic fluid in nephrotic syndrome.

Keywords

• children
• oedema
• paracentesis