[Treatment of decompensation of the heart in hemolytic anemias]

The author presents the experiences and the results in the treatment of congestive heart failure in children sick of haemolytic anaemias. The long lasting anaemias, followed by anoxia, treated with frequent blood transfusions, lead to cardiac haemosiderosis and to damage of the myocardium. During the period of ten years, out of 20 treated patients with haemolytic anaemias, two children suffering of beta thalassemia/Hb Lepore, have had a congestive heart failure. Two children were treated with cardiotonics and diuretics. The author analysis the question of giving Calcium to children treated with blood transfusion and is of the opinion that it is necessary to be careful in giving Calcium preparations to these patients, because it increases irritability of the myocardium and toxic effect of digitalis.