pulmicort and Ascites

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a chronic condition involving multiple organ systems that may develop any time following Fontan completion. The pathogenesis of PLE is complex and multifactorial. Chronic venous hypertension, low cardiac output, and abnormal lymphatics may all play a role in the pathogenesis of PLE. Common signs and symptoms include chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and ascites. Diagnosis is based on the presence of signs and symptoms in addition to hypoalbuminemia and elevated stool alpha 1 antitrypsin. Early identification and a comprehensive approach to evaluation and treatment are important, as they may affect survival. The initial evaluation should include cardiac catheterization for hemodynamic assessment. Although an evidence base for treatment is lacking, various medical, interventional, and surgical approaches have been described with variable degrees of success. Commonly used therapies include nutritional support, diuretics, subcutaneous unfractionated heparin, budesonide, and sildenafil. Limited data exist for Fontan conversion or takedown. Assessment for heart transplantation should be considered. PLE mortality is high-approximately 50%-but may be mitigated by aggressive investigation and management. The evolving understanding of the role of lymphatics in the pathophysiology of PLE and the emerging role of interventional lymphatic procedures may further improve outcomes in this patient population.

Topics: Abdominal Pain; Academic Medical Centers; Ascites; Budesonide; Chronic Disease; Combined Modality Therapy; Diagnosis, Differential; Diarrhea; Diuretics; Female; Fontan Procedure; Heart Defects, Congenital; Heparin; Humans; Male; Prognosis; Protein-Losing Enteropathies; Rare Diseases; Risk Assessment; Sildenafil Citrate; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Adult; Ascites; Biopsy; Budesonide; Colonoscopy; Diarrhea; Eosinophilic Esophagitis; Esophagoscopy; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Hypereosinophilic Syndrome; Ileal Diseases; Male; Remission Induction; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome

A 7-year-old male patient who had abdominal swelling and eyelid oedema was diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy. His serum albumin level was 2.3 g/dl. Protein-losing enteropathy due to restrictive cardiomyopathy was diagnosed and oral budesonide was started. His serum albumin level began to rise and ascites and peripheric oedema disappeared. The patient underwent a successful cardiac transplantation and budesonide was stopped. After the heart transplantation, the albumin level decreased to 2.3 g/dl, and therefore it was restarted. When the serum albumin level increased, the budesonide dose was tapered and stopped in 1 month. Budesonide may be an effective drug in patients with protein-losing enteropathy due to heart failure.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Ascites; Budesonide; Cardiomyopathy, Restrictive; Child; Edema; Glucocorticoids; Heart Transplantation; Humans; Male; Protein-Losing Enteropathies; Serum Albumin; Treatment Outcome