Anti-thymocyte globulin as an adjunct to treatment of fulminant lymphocytic myocarditis.
There is much debate over the role of immunosuppression in the treatment of acute and fulminant myocarditis. The low incidence of the condition prevents large numbers of cases for study, and treatment protocols vary greatly between institutions. In this study we add our experience with anti-thymocyte globulin as an adjunct to standard medical therapy for 5 patients presenting with cardiogenic shock due to fulminant myocarditis. All cases were associated with rapid and dramatic improvement in hemodynamic and electrophysiologic abnormalities, returning patients to NYHA Class I and cardiac function to normal or near normal by discharge.
Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant Service, The Royal Perth Hospital, Wellington Street, Perth, Western Australia 6000, Australia. vance.manins@health.wa.gov.au
Vance
V
Manins
Niki
N
Parle
Lorry
L
Dembo
Gerry
G
O'Driscoll
D000328:Adult; D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009205:Myocarditis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology
D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents