Systemic lupus erythematosus syndrome induced by practolol

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Rheumatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Angina pectoris is a common cardiovascular condition.
• Practolol is a beta-blocker previously used for cardiovascular conditions.
• Drug-induced autoimmune syndromes are a recognized clinical concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a distinct syndrome observed in patients treated with practolol.
• To investigate the potential link between practolol and drug-induced systemic lupus erythematosus (S.L.E.).
• To explore the immunological basis of the observed syndrome.

Main Methods:

• Clinical observation of three angina pectoris patients treated with practolol.
• Assessment of clinical symptoms including arthralgia, rash, and fever.
• Laboratory investigations including E.S.R., lupus erythematosus (L.E.) cells, and antinuclear antibody tests.
• Evaluation of lymphocyte transformation in vitro.

Main Results:

• Patients developed arthralgia, rash, fever, elevated E.S.R., positive L.E. cells, and antinuclear antibodies.
• Symptoms partially resolved upon practolol withdrawal.
• Steroid therapy was necessary for significant symptomatic improvement.
• Impaired lymphocyte transformation was observed in affected patients.

Conclusions:

• The observed syndrome in practolol-treated patients is consistent with drug-induced systemic lupus erythematosus (S.L.E.).
• Practolol is implicated as the causative agent for this S.L.E.-like syndrome.
• Impaired lymphocyte transformation suggests a potential mechanism for the syndrome's pathogenesis.