title: Reversal of protein-losing enteropathy with heparin therapy in three patients with univentricular hearts and Fontan palliation.
abstract: We studied three pediatric patients with protein-losing enteropathy in conjunction with univentricular hearts and right atrial to pulmonary artery anastomosis (Fontan operation) before and during heparin therapy. Each patient showed dramatic improvements in symptoms, marked elevations in serum albumin levels, and quantitative reversal of enteric protein loss within a few weeks of beginning therapy. These findings suggest that heparin may be an important treatment for this poorly understood condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, C. S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Donnelly
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rosenthal
authors.forename: V P
authors.initials: VP
authors.lastname: Castle
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Holmes
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004310:Double Outlet Right Ventricle / Q000601:surgery*; D018729:Fontan Procedure; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000601:surgery*; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011504:Protein-Losing Enteropathies / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D012709:Serum Albumin; D006493:Heparin