JCCVS
Journal of Cardiology & Cardiovascular Surgery

Journal of Cardiology & Cardiovascular Surgery scientific, open-access, double-blind peer-reviewed journal covering a wide spectrum of topics in cardiology and cardiovascular surgery.

eISSN: 2980-1397
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Original Article
Outcomes of the pediatric patients undergoing pericardiocentesis for cardiac surgery-related massive pericardial effusion
Abstract
Aims: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients who have moderate or severe cardiac surgery related pericardial effusion and relieved by pericardiocentesis.
Methods: Twenty-one children (0-18 years of age) were identified retrospectively in a 10-year period (2010-2020) and we reviewed our medical records for demographic and clinical characteristics, management strategies and outcome of the patients.
Results: Twenty-one patients were identified with a male to female ratio of 1.1. Mean age and body weight of the patients were 79.7 ± 56.6 months and 19.5 ± 14 kg respectively. Of the patients (33%) had at least one complaint, most common being dyspnea (19%) and fatigue (8.5%). The mean period between heart surgery and pericardiocentesis was 30.1±13.4 days. The distribution of surgical indications was as follows; atrial septal defect (42.8%), ventricular septal defect (23.8%), endocardial cushion defect (9.5%). The mean largest diameter of effusion and amount of fluid drained were 34.9 ± 13.4 mm and 349.3 ± 276.1 ml respectively. Macroscopic appearance of the fluid was serous in 28.5%, hemorrhagic in 66.7% and chylous in 4.8% patient. Of the 21 patients 13 were treated with anti-inflammatory drugs; NSAID (14.8%), NSAID and colcihicine (33.3%) NSAID, colchicine and coticosteroid (14.8%). On the follow up 2 (9.5%) patient died because of sepsis and heart failure. There were no procedure related complication, chronic effusion or constriction on the follow up.
Conclusion: In conclusion, PPS is an important clinical syndrome that can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, patients at risk should be identified in the postoperative period and a patient-specific follow-up plan should be made. In the presence of tamponade or serious effusion, pericardiocentesis is a safe, effective and life-saving procedure in patients unresponsive to medical treatment along with anti-inflammatory drugs.

Keywords : Cardiac surgery, pericardial effusion, pericardiocentesis, post-pericardiotomy syndromec

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Article available in :
Volume 3, Issue 1, 2025
Page : 14-18
https://doi.org/10.51271/JCCVS-0050
Article Information
Received : 04 Oca 2025
Accepted : 22 Mar 2025
Published : 27 Mar 2025
Corresponding Author :

Vehbi Doğan: Departments of Pediatric Cardiology, Dr. Sami Ulus Children Research and Training Hospital, Ankara, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Doğan V, Donbaloğlu F, Sayıcı İU, Koç M. Outcomes of the pediatric patients undergoing pericardiocentesis for cardiac surgery-related massive pericardial effusion. J Cardiol Cardiovasc Surg. 2025;3(1):14-18.

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