Glucocorticoids for treating paediatric pulmonary hypertension: a novel use for a common medication

Cardiol Young. 2017 Sep;27(7):1410-1412. doi: 10.1017/S1047951117000464. Epub 2017 May 16.

Abstract

Laboratory investigations have shown the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension and improvement after anti-inflammatory drugs. Despite these observations, reports on the use of steroids to treat pulmonary hypertension in humans are absent from the literature. In this article, we report the use of glucocorticoids in the treatment of two children with pulmonary hypertension, demonstrating its potential utility.

Keywords: Pulmonary hypertension; glucocorticoids; inflammation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Down Syndrome / complications*
  • Echocardiography
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / drug therapy*
  • Infant
  • Infant, Premature
  • Male
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / complications*
  • Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / diagnostic imaging

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids