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Nicardipine improves myocardial perfusion in systemic sclerosis
1Department of Rheumatology, René Descartes University, School of Medicine, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France.
Nicardipine, a calcium channel blocker, improved myocardial perfusion in patients with systemic sclerosis. This study shows short-term benefits for cardiac blood flow in scleroderma heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis can lead to primary myocardial disease.
- Myocardial ischemia, resulting from coronary microcirculation disturbances, is a potential cause.
- Calcium channel blockers are explored for their effects on cardiac perfusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of nicardipine on myocardial perfusion.
- To assess changes using thallium-201 scanning in patients with systemic sclerosis.
Main Methods:
- 16 patients with systemic sclerosis were included.
- Thallium-201 single photon emission computerized tomography was performed.
- Measurements were taken at baseline and 90 minutes after oral administration of 40 mg nicardipine.
Main Results:
- The number of left ventricular segments with perfusion defects significantly decreased post-nicardipine (p < 0.01).
- The mean global perfusion score significantly increased after nicardipine administration (p < 0.02).
Conclusions:
- Nicardipine demonstrates a short-term improvement in myocardial perfusion.
- This suggests a potential therapeutic role for nicardipine in managing cardiac complications of systemic sclerosis.
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