Carvedilol reverses elevated pulmonary vascular resistance in a child with dilated cardiomyopathy

M S Horenstein1, R D Ross, T P Singh

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit 48201, USA.

Pediatric Cardiology
|April 2, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Beta-blocker therapy, specifically carvedilol, shows promise in treating pediatric congestive heart failure (CHF). This case study demonstrates carvedilol

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Cardiovascular Research

Background:

  • Congestive heart failure (CHF) in children presents unique management challenges.
  • Limited data exists on beta-blocker use for pediatric CHF.
  • Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy is a significant cause of pediatric heart failure.

Observation:

  • A pediatric patient with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and severe CHF was evaluated.
  • The child was referred for potential cardiac transplantation due to refractory symptoms.
  • Elevated pulmonary vascular resistance was a complicating factor.

Findings:

  • Carvedilol, a beta-blocker, was administered to the child.
  • Treatment with carvedilol led to a reversal of elevated pulmonary vascular resistance.
  • The patient's condition showed improvement, potentially altering the need for transplantation.

Implications:

  • Carvedilol may be a viable therapeutic option for pediatric CHF.
  • This finding suggests beta-blockers can improve pulmonary hemodynamics in pediatric heart failure.
  • Further research is warranted to explore carvedilol's efficacy and safety in pediatric populations.

Related Concept Videos

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management01:25

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management

Pharmacologic intervention is crucial in treating cardiac arrest patients during ACLS or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support. The ACLS algorithms guide the administration of specific drugs based on the patient's cardiac arrest rhythm, which includes pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), asystole, and pulseless electrical activity (PEA).EpinephrineIndication: Epinephrine is the first-line drug for all cardiac arrest rhythms.Mechanism of Action: Epinephrine...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...