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Methotrexate in recurrent postpericardiotomy syndrome

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 April 2005

Nili Zucker ,
Aviva Levitas  and
Eli Zalzstein
Nili Zucker
Affiliation:
Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Division of Pediatrics, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
Aviva Levitas
Affiliation:
Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Division of Pediatrics, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
Eli Zalzstein
Affiliation:
Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Division of Pediatrics, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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Abstract

The postpericardiotomy syndrome occurs in up to one-third of children undergoing cardiac surgery. Its treatment includes anti-inflammatory agents, diuresis, and drainage of effusions. Administration of steroids can have a dramatic effect, but is limited by adverse effects. Usually the syndrome lasts weeks only, and persistence beyond six months is exceptional. We describe a rare case of chronic postpericardiotomy syndrome, with recurrent pericardial effusions and steroid dependency, that was treated successfully with a low weekly dose of methotrexate.

Keywords

Pericardial diseasesteroid dependencypostsurgical complication
Type
Brief Report
Information
Cardiology in the Young , Volume 13 , Issue 2 , April 2003 , pp. 206 - 208
Copyright
© 2003 Cambridge University Press

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