Multiple Myeloma and High-Output Heart Failure: Two Case Reports
Author Information
Author(s): Robin Jason, Fintel Bara, Pikovskaya Olga, Davidson Charles, Cilley Jeffrey, Flaherty James
Primary Institution: Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
Hypothesis
Can lenalidomide and thalidomide effectively treat high-output heart failure in patients with multiple myeloma?
Conclusion
Lenalidomide and thalidomide may be effective treatment options for high-output heart failure caused by multiple myeloma.
Supporting Evidence
- Both patients showed significant improvement in symptoms after treatment with lenalidomide and thalidomide.
- The first patient had a net negative fluid balance of 15 liters over 10 days after treatment.
- The second patient's cardiac output normalized to 4.7 liters/minute after treatment.
Takeaway
Two patients with multiple myeloma and heart failure got better after taking special medicines that help stop blood vessel growth.
Methodology
The patients were treated with dexamethasone in conjunction with lenalidomide and thalidomide, and their responses were monitored.
Limitations
The study is based on only two case reports, limiting the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
One patient was a 50-year-old Indian man and the other was a 61-year-old African-American man.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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