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Aerosolised heparin in the treatment of Fontan-related plastic bronchitis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 January 2013

Daniel E. Eason*
Affiliation:
Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
Kristin Cox
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Pharmacy, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
William B. Moskowitz
Affiliation:
Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
*
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

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.

Type
Brief Reports
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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