The use of small-dose theophylline for the treatment of bradycardia in patients with spinal cord injury.
Small-dose theophylline can be a useful alternative in the treatment of bradycardia in patients with spinal cord injury. In this series of three cases, I describe its successful use for this indication. In one case, initiation of theophylline treatment also increased respiratory drive and minute ventilation. A possible mechanism is that theophylline increases the force of contraction of diaphragmatic muscles because of enhancement of calcium uptake through an adenosine-mediated channel. The antibradycardiac effect is probably mediated through one or more different molecular mechanisms, which seem to be mediated by inhibition of phosphodiesterase 3.
Schulz-Stübner
Sebastian
S
Department of Anesthesia, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City.
D015105:3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000328:Adult; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D054684:Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 3; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D013806:Theophylline / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D013806:Theophylline; D015105:3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases; D054684:Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 3