title: Methotrexate in recurrent postpericardiotomy syndrome.
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.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Division of Pediatrics, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. niliz@bgumail.bgu.ac.il
authors.forename: Nili
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Zucker
authors.forename: Aviva
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Levitas
authors.forename: Eli
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zalzstein
mesh_terms: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011185:Postpericardiotomy Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D008727:Methotrexate