Cardiology in the Young

Table of Contents - FirstView Article  

Brief Report

Aerosolised heparin in the treatment of Fontan-related plastic bronchitis

Daniel E. Easona1 c1, Kristin Coxa2 and William B. Moskowitza3

a1 Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida

a2 Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Pharmacy, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America

a3 Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America

Abstract

Patients with Fontan palliation and single-ventricle physiology encounter multiple comorbidities including plastic bronchitis, a disease characterised by the plugging of small and large airways by rubbery, white casts. To date, no controlled clinical trials have demonstrated effective treatment of plastic bronchitis. We report the application of aerosolised heparin, which has published success in non-cardiac-related pulmonary disease, for this complication in a Fontan patient.

(Received May 15 2012)

(Accepted October 21 2012)

Keywords

  • Single ventricle;
  • tricuspid atresia;
  • bronchial cast;
  • burn inhalational injury

Correspondence:

c1 Correspondence to: Dr D. E. Eason, DO, MPH, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, PO Box 016960 (R-76), Miami, FL 33101, United States of America. Tel: +1 919 210 2184; Fax: +1 866 823 6013; E-mail: eric.eason@yahoo.com

Related Content