Fluid accumulation in the staged Fontan procedure: the impact of colloid osmotic pressures.

Objectives: Despite Fontan surgery showing improved results, fluid accumulation and oedema formation with pleural effusion are major challenges. Transcapillary fluid balance is dependent on hydrostatic and colloid osmotic pressure (COP) gradients; however, the COP values are not known for Fontan patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the COP of plasma (COPp) and interstitial fluid (COPi) in children undergoing bidirectional cavopulmonary connection and total cavopulmonary connection.

Fluid accumulation after closure of atrial septal defects: the role of colloid osmotic pressure.

Objectives: Following paediatric cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), there is a tendency for fluid accumulation. The colloid osmotic pressure of plasma (COPp) and interstitial fluid (COPi) are determinants of transcapillary fluid exchange but only COPp has been measured in sick children. The aim of this study was to assess the net colloid osmotic pressure gradient in children undergoing atrial septal defect closure.

Interstitial fluid colloid osmotic pressure in healthy children.

Objective: The colloid osmotic pressure (COP) of plasma and interstitial fluid play important roles in transvascular fluid exchange. COP values for monitoring fluid balance in healthy and sick children have not been established. This study set out to determine reference values of COP in healthy children.

Pulmonary valve replacement with a bovine pericardial valve: a five year follow-up study.

Objectives: From a population of 90 patients after pulmonary valve replacement with a biological valve (Carpentier-Edwards Perimount valve), 56 of 80 available patients were examined five years after surgery.

Background: Pulmonary valve replacement is needed in many patients with congenital heart disease. Homografts have limited availability and predictable degeneration, and mechanical valves require anticoagulation.