Human factor XIII reduces severe pleural effusion in children after open heart surgery

Objective: Chylus effusions occur after open-heart surgery. Factor XIII (FXIII) is discussed being essential for wound healing. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate, if the application of FXIII results in a reduction of chylus. Patients: Forty children with chylus effusions after open-heart surgery were reviewed. Twenty patients received a single dose of FXIII. A group of age and weight matched patients was used as control. The plasma level of FXIII, the amount of pleural effusion before and after the application, the total amount of fluid loss, and the period of hospitalization were analyzed. Res…