Effect of beta blockers (carvedilol or metoprolol XL) in patients with transposition of great arteries and dysfunction of the systemic right ventricle

Am J Cardiol. 2007 Mar 1;99(5):704-6. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2006.10.025. Epub 2007 Jan 8.

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of beta blockers (carvedilol and metoprolol XL) on New York Heart Association functional class and systemic right ventricular (RV) function in patients with complete transposition of the great arteries who had systemic RV dysfunction late after atrial inflow correction. A significant improvement in New York Heart Association functional class was found after 4 months of therapy with beta blockers. Functional recovery was significant mostly in those patients with pacemakers who received higher maintenance doses of carvedilol. RV end-diastolic area was significantly greater in untreated patients at the end of the follow-up period, whereas it was unchanged in treated patients. In conclusion, beta blockers prevent RV remodeling, with a concomitant improvement in exercise tolerance in patients with complete transposition of the great arteries and systemic RV dysfunction.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Adult
  • Carbazoles / therapeutic use*
  • Carvedilol
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Metoprolol / analogs & derivatives*
  • Metoprolol / therapeutic use
  • Propanolamines / therapeutic use*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Stroke Volume / physiology
  • Transposition of Great Vessels / complications*
  • Transposition of Great Vessels / diagnostic imaging
  • Transposition of Great Vessels / physiopathology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / complications*
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / drug therapy*
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / physiopathology

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Carbazoles
  • Propanolamines
  • Carvedilol
  • Metoprolol