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A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo
Published on: May 16, 2020
Dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to nutritional rickets
I Amirlak1, W Al Dhaheri, H Narchi
1Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, and Al Ain Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. iradjamirlak@gmail.com
Annals of Tropical Paediatrics
|August 30, 2008
Summary
Vitamin D deficiency caused severe heart problems in two infants. Supplementation rapidly restored normal heart function, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for rickets.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Dilated cardiomyopathy in infants can lead to congestive heart failure.
- Rickets, a condition of soft bones due to vitamin D deficiency, is often associated with nutritional factors.
Observation:
- Two 9-month-old, exclusively breastfed infants presented with symptoms of congestive heart failure.
- Clinical examination revealed advanced rickets in both infants, with no other underlying cause identified.
Findings:
- Treatment with vitamin D and calcium supplements led to a rapid and complete recovery of myocardial function in both infants.
- This suggests a direct link between severe rickets and the development of dilated cardiomyopathy in this cohort.
Implications:
- Early screening for nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin D, is crucial in infants presenting with heart failure.
- Aggressive supplementation can reverse cardiac dysfunction caused by rickets, preventing long-term morbidity.
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