Beta-blocker therapy in young children with congestive heart failure under consideration for heart transplantation.
BACKGROUND
Although beta-blocker therapy for dilated or ischemic cardiomyopathy is now an accepted and effective treatment in adults, little is known about its efficacy in children.


METHODS
We reviewed our experience with the use of metoprolol in four younger children with cardiomyopathy who were referred for consideration for heart transplantation because of severe congestive heart failure.


RESULTS
Over a follow-up period of 12.6 +/- 6 months, left ventricular fractional shortening increased from 13.8% +/- 7% to 25.5% +/- 13%, and ejection fraction increased from 19.8% +/- 11% to 40.8% +/- 21% (p < 0.05). Two children became asymptomatic.


CONCLUSIONS
Metoprolol may be effective in improving ejection fraction and symptoms in some young children with cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure.
Department of Pediatrics, Primary Children's Medical Center and the University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, USA.
R E
RE
Shaddy
D000293:Adolescent; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004452:Echocardiography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008790:Metoprolol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013318:Stroke Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D008790:Metoprolol