A pericardiectomy may be required for treatment. Patients with pain from the inflammatory response may demonstrate splinting during breathing. This can result in hypoxemia. Monitor oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry in patients presenting with these findings. Coronary artery bypass grafting is an unusual procedure in children.
Most cases resolve within a few weeks.
Relapse may occur after tapering anti-inflammatory medications. Most recurrences occur within 6 months of the initial surgery. They should contact their physician if fevers, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, or shortness of breath develop in these children. The significance of anticardiolipin antibodies and anti-heart muscle antibodies for the diagnosis of postpericardiotomy syndrome. Postpericardiotomy syndrome in pediatric heart transplant recipients.