Corticosteroids in the management of sinoatrial block.
This report presented our experience in the treatment of sinoatrial (S-A) conduction disturbances with corticosteroids. Three patients with intermittent second-degree S-A block who failed to respond to atropine and isoproterenol were treated with prednisone for 6-17 weeks. Sustained improvement in S-A conduction following prednisone administration was confirmed by repeated Holter monitoring on and off therapy. Two patients eventually regained permanent sinus rhythm, while therapy led to marked diminution in S-A block in the 3rd patient. The possible mechanisms by which steroids may improve S-A conduction are discussed. Our observation is based on a small case series, each patient serving as his own control, and as such constitutes an indication for further confirmatory studies.
Heart Institute, Haifa Medical Center (Rothschild), Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel.
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Abinader
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Oliven
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Kogan
D001285:Atropine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006327:Heart Block / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007545:Isoproterenol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012848:Sinoatrial Block / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
D001285:Atropine; D007545:Isoproterenol; D011241:Prednisone