Effect of Metoprolol on Thalassemia Cardiomyopathy

In this clinical trial, 45 patients with thalassemia cardiomyopathy were randomized to receive either metoprolol (n = 26) or placebo (n = 19). Echocardiography and 6 minute walk test was performed at baseline and repeated after 6 months and the values were compared.

Inclusion criteria

• documented LVEF < 50% by echocardiography
• B thalassemia
• No decompensated heart failure for at least 4 weeks (hospitalization for CHF, worsening lower extremity edema, worsening dyspnea on exertion, , and orthopnea)
• have no evidence of acute myocarditis and
• hemoglobin level above 7 gr⁄dL.

Exclusion criteria

• pulse rate below 60/min
• systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg
• evidence of peripheral vascular disease
• major depression, history of asthma, PR interval more than 240 msec, second or third degree AV block
• major medical diseases including diabetes mellitus requiring insulin injection, hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, chronic renal failure (glomerular filtration rate below 30 ml/min), hepatic cirrhosis, hepatitis-B and hepatitis-C, positive tests for human immunodeficiency virus, and other hemoglobinopathies