Use of orlistat (xenical) to treat chylous ascites

J Clin Gastroenterol. 2005 Oct;39(9):831-3. doi: 10.1097/01.mcg.0000177232.51888.2e.

Abstract

Chylous ascites is uncommon and occurs in about 1 in 20,000 hospital admissions. Causes include disruption of the lymphatic system due to malignancy, cirrhosis, surgery, or radiation therapy. The mainstay of therapy has been low-fat diet supplemented with medium-chain triglyceride oil. However, dietary compliance can be difficult to achieve for adequate response. We report a 47-year-old man with hepatitis C and alcohol-related cirrhosis with new-onset chylous ascites and chylothorax. His ascites triglyceride was 585 mg/dL, and the pleural fluid triglyceride was 691 mg/dL. Ascitic and pleural fluid cytology and acid-fast bacilli stain were negative. The patient was treated with low-fat diet and medium-chain triglyceride oil. However, his ascites remained chylous after 1 week of treatment because of poor compliance with the dietary restrictions. Orlistat was then added to his treatment regimen. A half week later, the chylous component of his ascites resolved. Remaining high-volume clear ascites was treated with placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. To our knowledge, orlistat has never been used in the treatment of chylous ascites. This case suggests the potential value of adding orlistat to low-fat diet and medium-chain triglyceride oil in the treatment of chylous ascites, especially in patients who are unable to comply with the dietary restrictions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Chylous Ascites / blood
  • Chylous Ascites / diet therapy
  • Chylous Ascites / drug therapy*
  • Chylous Ascites / etiology
  • Chylous Ascites / surgery
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Diet, Fat-Restricted
  • Humans
  • Lactones / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Orlistat
  • Patient Compliance
  • Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Triglycerides / blood*

Substances

  • Lactones
  • Triglycerides
  • Orlistat