Beta-blockade in adriamycin-induced cardiomyopathy.

Beta-blockade consistently improves myocardial systolic function in patients with both nonischemic and ischemic cardiomyopathy. The effects of beta-blockade on Adriamycin-induced cardiomyopathy (ACM), however, are unknown. We retrospectively evaluated the effects of beta-blockade on patients with ACM by using a case-controlled design. The control group consisted of 16 consecutively chosen age- and sex-matched patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) who were treated with beta-blockers. Patients with ACM had a baseline mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 28%, which improved to 41% (P = .041) after treatment with beta-blockers. The control group had a baseline mean LVEF of 26%, which improved to 32% (P = .015) after treatment. The mean duration of beta-blocker therapy in the Adriamycin and control groups was 8 and 9 months, respectively. The degree of improvement between the 2 groups was not significantly different. Beta-blockers have a beneficial effect on cardiac function in patients with ACM, which is at least comparable with other forms of heart failure with systolic dysfunction.