Anorexigen-related cardiopulmonary toxicity.
Three years after the withdrawal of fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine from the market, the magnitude and prevalence of their deleterious cardiopulmonary effects remain undetermined. The links between these anorexigens and valvular heart disease and primary pulmonary hypertension, however, are clearly established. Because some evidence indicates that the valvular lesions may regress with cessation of the drug, management guidelines are still in flux. Patient reassurance and close surveillance, including serial echocardiography in selected cases, are warranted.
Gross
S B
SB
University of California, Los Angeles, Schools of Medicine and Nursing and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, USA.
Lepor
N E
NE
D000635:Aminorex / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D001067:Appetite Depressants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020372:Dexfenfluramine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004452:Echocardiography; D005277:Fenfluramine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010645:Phentermine / Q000009:adverse effects*
D001067:Appetite Depressants; D005277:Fenfluramine; D000635:Aminorex; D010645:Phentermine; D020372:Dexfenfluramine; C006559:aminorex fumarate