Use of Heparin in the Treatment of Protein-Losing Enteropathy After Fontan Operation for Complex Congenital Heart Disease.
Kelly, Amy M. MD; Feldt, Robert H. MD; Driscoll, David J. MD; Danielson, Gordon K. MD
[Report] Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 73(8):777-779, August 1998.

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Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a serious complication of the Fontan operation and is associated with pronounced mortality. Medical management of PLE has been only partially successful. A recent report noted dramatic improvement in patients with PLE within 3 weeks of subcutaneous administration of heparin. We report a case of reversal of PLE with resolution of clinical symptoms and normalization of serum albumin, total protein, and fecal alpha1-antitrypsin values after several months of heparin treatment. Our findings substantiate those recently reported but suggest that reversal of PLE may necessitate more than a few weeks of heparin therapy.

Mayo Clin Proc 1998;73: 777-779

(C) 1998 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research