Enteric protein loss after the Fontan operation.

OBJECTIVE

The current study was undertaken to assess the frequency of excessive enteric protein loss and protein-losing enteropathy in the relatively early period after the Fontan operation.

DESIGN

Protein excretion was determined in 26 of 27 consecutive patients who underwent the Fontan procedure between January and June 1990 at the Mayo Clinic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

At two testing intervals during the first 4 months after the Fontan operation, alpha 1-antitrypsin clearance and fecal alpha 1-antitrypsin concentration studies were done.

RESULTS

All results were normal for the first postoperative test period (2 to 8 weeks). For the second study period, all 17 patients tested had normal alpha 1-antitrypsin clearances. One of the 17 patients had an appreciably increased fecal alpha 1-antitrypsin concentration and transient protein-losing enteropathy.

CONCLUSION

Excessive enteric protein loss and protein-losing enteropathy are relatively uncommon during the first 4 months after the Fontan operation.