Enteric protein loss after the Fontan operation

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C A Davis1, D J Driscoll, J Perrault

  • 1Mayo Medical School, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN 55905.

Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|February 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Excessive enteric protein loss and protein-losing enteropathy are uncommon in the early period after the Fontan operation. This study found a low frequency of these conditions within the first four months post-procedure.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Surgery

Background:

  • The Fontan operation is a palliative procedure for complex congenital heart disease.
  • Enteric protein loss and protein-losing enteropathy are potential complications following cardiac surgery.
  • Early assessment of these complications after the Fontan procedure is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of excessive enteric protein loss.
  • To evaluate the frequency of protein-losing enteropathy.
  • To assess these complications in the early post-Fontan operation period.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty-six patients undergoing the Fontan procedure were studied.
  • Alpha 1-antitrypsin clearance and fecal concentration were measured at two intervals within 4 months post-operation.
  • Patients were evaluated between January and June 1990 at the Mayo Clinic.

Main Results:

  • All patients had normal alpha 1-antitrypsin clearance in the first postoperative testing period (2-8 weeks).
  • In the second testing period, all 17 evaluated patients showed normal clearances.
  • One patient experienced transient protein-losing enteropathy with increased fecal alpha 1-antitrypsin concentration.

Conclusions:

  • Excessive enteric protein loss is infrequent in the early phase after the Fontan operation.
  • Protein-losing enteropathy is also relatively uncommon within the first 4 months post-procedure.
  • These findings suggest a low risk of significant enteric protein loss early after Fontan palliation.
Abstract

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