Interleukin-11-induced capillary leak syndrome companied with abdominal chylous leakage in primary sigmoid carcinoma patients with thrombocytopenia.

Capillary leak syndrome (CLS) is a rare condition characterized by generalized edema and hypotension. Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is a therapeutic agent for the treatment of thrombocytopenia. The relationship between IL-11 and CLS has rarely been reported, especially in patients with colorectal cancer. We describe a case with sigmoid cancer treated with IL-11 after chemotherapy. After 5 days of IL-11 therapy, the patient felt tachypnea, muscular pain and fullness of the abdomen. Chest X-ray indicated increased bronchovascular shadows, and abdominal ultrasound indicated moderate ascites. IL-11 was then discontinued, fluid resuscitation was performed, and fresh frozen plasma and packed red blood cells were transfused. On the fourth day, synchronous chylous leakage was detected. Low fat diet, nutritional support, and somatostatin was administered. The patient recovered 2 weeks later. Although rare, CLS could be a severe side effect after the administration of IL-11. The aim of treatment is to stabilize the vital parameters.