[Evaluation of K-canrenoate in post-surgical treatment of open heart paediatric surgery (author's transl)].

The variation of Aldosterone and its consequences on urinary Sodium and Potassium after cardiac surgical trauma are well known. We made a study on 2- pediatric patients operated by extracorporeal circulation (ECC). Ten patients were given an Aldosterone inhibitor (K-canrenoate), ten patients were the control group. The efficacy of treatment with the Aldosterone inhibitor drug is proved by: 1) progressive, significant drop of Natremia; 2) considerable heightening of Kaliemia; 3) significant higher ratio between Natriuria and Kaliuria. The importance of antialdosteronic treatment is demonstrated by: 1) diminished sodium retention implies a lessened water retention; 2) increased potassium retention protects from dangerous hypokaliemia in the early postoperative period; 3) possible inotropic and extrarenal activity. It's important to modify the dose of K-canrenoate in relation to the level of electrolytes. High levels of potassium may follow a dosage of 2,5 mg/Kg/24 h. In other cases higher dosage may be necessary.