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Left ventricular dysfunction after intravenous tartar emetic
Egyptian Journal of Bilharziasis
|January 1, 1978
Summary
Antischistosomal therapy, specifically tartar emetic, may harm cardiac function in schistosomiasis patients. This study found that tartar emetic reduced left ventricular contractility and performance, suggesting potential myocardial toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Schistosomal cor pulmonale is linked to left ventricular dysfunction.
- The specific agents causing this dysfunction are not fully understood.
- Antischistosomal drugs, like antimonials and niridazole, are suspected contributors to myocardial adverse effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a therapeutic dose of tartar emetic on left ventricular performance in schistosomiasis patients.
- To assess potential cardiotoxicity of antischistosomal therapy.
Main Methods:
- Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular performance in 29 schistosomiasis patients.
- Measurements were taken before and 30 minutes after intravenous administration of tartar emetic.
Main Results:
- Tartar emetic administration led to increased PEPI and PEPI/LVETI.
- Left ventricular ejection time index (LVETI) was reduced, and ejection fraction (EF) decreased.
- Elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), reduced peak dp/dt, and decreased Vmax were observed.
Conclusions:
- Tartar emetic (T.E.) exhibits toxic effects on the myocardium, diminishing left ventricular contractility.
- These findings suggest that antischistosomal therapy with tartar emetic can impair cardiac function.
- Other factors contributing to myocardial impairment in schistosomiasis patients cannot be ruled out.