Immunosuppresion for myocarditis

Article Abstract:

The diagnostic criteria for acute myocarditis may need to be refined. Acute myocarditis is heart muscle inflammation that rapidly leads to heart failure. An abnormal immune system reaction to infection is believed to be the cause in some cases. A recent study showed no benefits for treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. However, only a few patients with clinical symptoms of myocarditis met the strict criteria for diagnosis when heart muscle tissue was analyzed microscopically after biopsy. This suggests a problem with the criteria and the need for improved diagnostic techniques. Furthermore, the value or lack thereof of immunosuppressive therapy cannot be determined without a better means of establishing the diagnosis. Although immunosuppressive therapy did not prove helpful in the overall population, it may yet prove helpful in treating a subgroup of patients with myocarditis.

Editorial, Evaluation, Drug therapy, Immunotherapy

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Idiopathic giant-cell myocarditis - natural history and treatment

Article Abstract:

Giant-cell myocarditis appears to be an autoimmune disease and may respond to immunosuppressive drugs. A worldwide search led to the identification of 63 patients with this form of heart disease, which often progresses to congestive heart failure. Thirty-three were men and 30 were women. Most had been diagnosed by heart biopsies. Nineteen percent had other autoimmune disorders. Eighty-nine percent ultimately died or required a heart transplant. Patients treated with immunosuppressive drugs survived an average of 12 months compared to an average 3-month survival in those not treated. The disease recurred in 26% who received a heart transplant.

Autoimmune diseases

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Myocarditis

Article Abstract:

The causes, diagnosis and treatment of myocarditis are reviewed. Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle that can be caused by drugs, viruses, toxins, infection, and pre-existing diseases.

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