For a review, researchers provided recent updates on the diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of postpericardiotomy syndrome (PPS) based on newer studies published within the previous 24 months. BioMedCentral, the Cochrane Collaboration Database of Randomized Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, EMBASE, Google Scholar, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Scopus were all searched for potentially relevant research. The PPS is a complication that affects 10% to 40% of people undergoing cardiac and thoracic surgery. The etiopathogenesis is unknown, however, it is thought to be immune-mediated after pleuropericardial damage and hemorrhage. There were no defined diagnostic criteria, however, a mix of clinical criteria, including fever without alternative reasons, pericardial or pleuritic chest discomfort, pericardial or pleural rubs, and pericardial and/or pleural effusion, had been recommended in clinical studies for PPS prevention.
Aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and/or corticosteroids, together with colchicine, were used to treat the condition on an ad hoc basis. The usage of colchicine for one month showed to be both effective and safe in preventing PPS. Although PPS caused hospitalizations and readmissions, the overall prognosis was favorable, with a minimal incidence of recurrences and cardiac tamponade. In a long-term follow-up, 2% to 3% of subjects developed constrictive pericarditis. PPS is a frequent postoperative complication that usually occurs during the first three months of surgery. Although severe consequences were uncommon, the condition was responsible for hospital stay lengthening and readmissions.
