Maternal MCT Oil-Based Diet in the Treatment of Primary Fetal Pleural Effusion: Case Reports.

Isolated fetal pleural effusion is typically caused by agenesis or atresia of the lymphatic duct and can lead to lung compression, pulmonary hypoplasia, polyhydramnios, mediastinal shift, cardiac dysfunction, and fetal hydrops. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), compared to long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs), are absorbed directly into the portal venous system, bypassing the lymphatic system during digestion, which reduces chyle production. We present two cases of severe unilateral fetal pleural effusion that completely resolved after maternal intake of MCTs and a restricted LCFA diet.