Longitudinal assessment of cardiac status by echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function in thalassaemic children

Citation
A. Fiorillo et al., Longitudinal assessment of cardiac status by echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function in thalassaemic children, ACT PAEDIAT, 89(4), 2000, pp. 436-441
Citations number
13
Categorie Soggetti
Pediatrics,"Medical Research General Topics
Journal title
ACTA PAEDIATRICA
ISSN journal
08035253 → ACNP
Volume
89
Issue
4
Year of publication
2000
Pages
436 - 441
Database
ISI
SICI code
0803-5253(200004)89:4<436:LAOCSB>2.0.ZU;2-E
Abstract
Cardiac disease is the primary cause of death in patients affected by thala ssaemia major. In most cases diastolic dysfunction precedes the onset of sy stolic impairment at a time when appropriate therapy can prevent progressio n of cardiac damage. We have assessed the pattern of left ventricular filli ng by Doppler echocardiography in six transfusion-dependent thalassaemic pa tients. They were re-evaluated 5 y after the first observation, after addit ional blood transfusions and consequent iron load. We registered a signific antly impaired relaxation pattern in all of them. A state of cardiac anoxia has been hypothesized.