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Published on: December 11, 2017

Intermediate effects of treatment with metoprolol or carvedilol in children with left ventricular systolic

Richard V Williams1, Lloyd Y Tani, Robert E Shaddy

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Primary Children's Medical Center and the University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84113, USA. pcrwilli@ihc.com

The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation : the Official Publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation
|August 7, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Beta-blocker therapy improved heart function in pediatric patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Echocardiographic measures showed significant increases in fractional shortening and ejection fraction after treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Pharmacology

Background:

  • Beta-blocking agents are established treatments for adult congestive heart failure.
  • Limited data exists on their efficacy in pediatric patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of beta-blocker therapy on left ventricular systolic performance in pediatric patients.
  • To assess changes in echocardiographic indices before and after beta-blocker initiation.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 12 pediatric patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction treated with beta-blockers.
  • Analysis of echocardiographic data (fractional shortening, ejection fraction) at baseline and intermediate follow-up.

Main Results:

  • Left ventricular fractional shortening significantly increased from 13% to 21% (p=0.01).
  • Left ventricular ejection fraction significantly increased from 26% to 41% (p=0.04).
  • Beta-blocker therapy, added to conventional treatment, improved systolic performance.

Conclusions:

  • Beta-blocker therapy can enhance left ventricular systolic performance in pediatric patients with systolic dysfunction.
  • Echocardiographic indices demonstrate a positive response to beta-blockers in this population.

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