We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Study Finds Myocarditis Caused by Infection Rising Globally

By Michal Siman-Tov
Posted on 07 Dec 2016
A new assessment of the global state of myocarditis examines diagnostics, treatments, and causes, the most common cause being viral infections.

Myocarditis, an assortment of heart disorders often caused by infection and inflammation, is difficult to diagnose and treat. More...
Dilated cardiomyopathy and cardiac sarcoidosis can result from myocarditis. Among the young, myocarditis accounts for about 5% of sudden cardiovascular infant deaths and up to 20% of sudden cardiovascular death in adolescents. It is responsible for up to 45% of heart transplants in the US.

The new global assessment was conducted by a team led by Leslie Cooper Jr, MD, cardiologist, at the Mayo Clinic (Jacksonville, FL, USA). Along with Dr. Cooper, researchers from the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Finland contributed to the study.

Dr. Cooper and colleagues recently reported that cases of myocarditis have increased from about 1.5 million annually to 2.2 million cases from 2013 to 2015. The new study found that the rate of myocarditis and associated death is much higher in men than in women, likely due to testosterone-driven inflammation.

The most common cause of myocarditis is infection ― usually viral ― that can damage heart muscle chronically or acutely in otherwise healthy people, said Dr. Cooper. Infections that affect the heart differ around the globe. In the US, a dozen common pathogens can be responsible. An example is coxsackie virus, which up to 70% of US residents have been exposed to age 30. “But only 1-2% of people with acute coxsackie virus infection develop cardiac symptoms,” said Dr. Cooper.

Myocarditis can also have other causes, including autoimmune diseases, environmental toxins, and adverse reactions to medications.

Early diagnosis is key to preventing long-term heart damage from myocarditis. If chronic disease results, scarring in the heart can promote heart failure. Although standard therapies are used to control symptoms of heart failure, new investigational therapies based on mechanistic advances may soon enter clinical trials, and new management of the disorder is being discussed. “We are on a quest for advances in treating this disorder,” said Dr. Cooper.

To prevent the disorder from worsening in children, Dr. Cooper suggests that aerobic exercise be limited for several weeks after a suspected coxsackie virus infection, and “if a child or adolescent develops breathing difficulties or chest pain with evidence of myocarditis, my recommendation is to avoid competitive sports for at least 3 months,” said Dr. Cooper.

Revised management recommendations regarding athletic participation after acute myocarditis have further heightened the importance of early diagnosis. A cardiac MRI within 2 weeks of symptom onset is 80% effective in diagnosing cardiomyopathy, but diagnosis is difficult at more chronic stages. The sensitivity of endomyocardial biopsy may be increased, especially in suspected sarcoidosis, by the use of electrogram guidance to target regions of abnormal signal.

Most people (60-70%) with acute cardiomyopathy from myocarditis get better. About 10-15% develop irreversible chronic disease due to scars in the heart created by infection. These patients are treated with standard heart failure therapies, but 20% die during the decade following infection due to heart failure. “I see patients everyday with this disorder,” said Dr. Cooper, “We are on the cusp of trying more tailored treatment, and it can’t come soon enough.”

The study, by Heymans S et al, was published November 29, 2016, in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Related Links:
Mayo Clinic



New
Gold Member
Hybrid Pipette
SWITCH
Portable Electronic Pipette
Mini 96
Sperm Quality Analyis Kit
QwikCheck Beads Precision and Linearity Kit
New
Gold Member
Automatic Chemiluminescence Immunoassay Analyzer
Shine i2000
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: New evidence shows viscoelastic testing can improve assessment of blood clotting during postpartum hemorrhage (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Viscoelastic Testing Could Improve Treatment of Maternal Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage, severe bleeding after childbirth, remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, yet many of these deaths are preventable. Standard care can be hindered by delays... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The CloneSeq-SV approach can allow researchers to study how cells within high-grade serous ovarian cancer change over time (Photo courtesy of MSK)

Blood Test Tracks Treatment Resistance in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because it spreads microscopically throughout the abdomen, and although initial surgery and chemotherapy can work, most... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: The collaboration aims to improve access to Hb variant testing with the Gazelle POC diagnostic platform (Photo courtesy of Hemex Health)

Terumo BCT and Hemex Health Collaborate to Improve Access to Testing for Hemoglobin Disorders

Millions of people worldwide living with sickle cell disease and other hemoglobin disorders experience delayed diagnosis and limited access to effective care, particularly in regions where testing is scarce.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.