Beta-blocker therapy and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a case report.

Cardiology Research and Practice
C MüllerR Buchhorn

Abstract

Objective. The aim of this paper is to describe a fatal case of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in a patient with severe heart failure, who was treated with low-dose propranolol. Patient and Interventions. We report on a 7-month-old boy with Downs syndrome who was born with an unbalanced, left dominant atrioventricular septal defect and aortic coarctation. Despite coarctation repair and pulmonary artery banding he developed intractable heart failure and fever of unknown origin. Since he remained in heart failure he received a trial of low-dose propranolol to stabilize his cardiopulmonary status, which resulted in unexpected immunomodulatory effects. Measurements and Main Result. Immunoactivation was evidenced by high concentrations of procalcitonin, soluble CD 25, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin 6 and 8. Propranolol resulting in hepatic compromise as indicated by high lactate dehydrogenase and alanine aminotransferase levels. A therapeutic switch from propranolol to the beta(1)-receptor blocker metoprolol appeared to be instrumental in hemodynamic improvement and allowed discharge from hospital. However, the infant ultimately died from secondary inflammatory reactivation and intractable pulmonary obstructi...Continue Reading

References

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Oct 7, 2008·Cases Journal·Juan Mayordomo-ColungaAndrés Concha

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Citations

Nov 14, 2012·Jornal brasileiro de pneumologia : publicaça̋o oficial da Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisilogia·Thiago Prudente BártholoRogério Rufino

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
pharmacotherapy

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Aortic Coarctation

Aortic coarctation is a congenital condition characterized by narrowing of the aorta. Discover the latest research on this disease here.