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Publication Date
2-2026
Disclaimer
These guidelines do not establish a standard of care to be followed in every case. It is recognized that each case is different and those individuals involved in providing health care are expected to use their judgment in determining what is in the best interests of the patient based on the circumstances existing at the time. It is impossible to anticipate all possible situations that may exist and to prepare guidelines for each. Accordingly, these guidelines should guide care with the understanding that departures from them may be required at times.
Objective of the Clinical Pathway
To provide care standards for the post-operative cardiac surgery patient presenting to the outpatient cardiology clinic with a known or suspected pericardial effusion. The pathway provides recommendations for evaluation, management, and follow-up in the outpatient setting.
Target Users
Physicians (Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, Fellows, Residents); Advanced Practice Providers; Pharmacy
Clinical Questions Clinical Pathway
• In patients (peds and adults) with postoperative pericardial effusion, is colchicine versus prednisone/ prednisolone more effective in attaining clinical resolution of effusion? o A literature search was conducted with the assistance of a medical librarian on September 17, 2025, see Appendix 1 for search strategy and results. These results were shared with the committee on September 22, 2025. Although several articles discussed the use of each of these agents individually, there were no direct head-to-head studies in either pediatric or adult patients.
• In patients (peds and adults) with postoperative pericardial effusion, is a higher dose of diuretic versus a lower dose of diuretic more effective in attaining clinical resolution of effusion? o A literature search was conducted with the assistance of a medical librarian on September 25, 2025, see Appendix 2 for search strategy and results. These results were shared with the committee on November 3, 2025. Despite the routine use of diuretics in the immediate post-operative care of cardiac surgery patients, literature on the titration of these agents in the weeks following surgery is lacking. There were no studies that directly addressed this scenario in the outpatient setting; therefore, no recommendations could be made.
Disciplines
Pediatrics
Recommended Citation
Children's Mercy Kansas City, "Pericardial Effusion" (2026). Clinical Pathways.
https://scholarlyexchange.childrensmercy.org/clinical_pathways/51
