Developments in the management of Chagas cardiomyopathy
Year: 2015
Type: review
Abstract: Over 100 years have elapsed since the discovery of Chagas disease and there is still much to learn regarding pathogenesis and treatment. Although there are antiparasitic drugs available, such as benznidazole and nifurtimox, they are not totally reliable and often toxic. A recently released negative clinical trial with benznidazole in patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy further reinforces the concerns regarding its effectiveness. New drugs and new delivery systems, including those based on nanotechnology, are being sought. Although vaccine development is still in its infancy, the reality of a therapeutic vaccine remains a challenge. New ECG methods may help to recognize patients prone to developing malignant ventricular arrhythmias. The management of heart failure, stroke and arrhythmias also remains a challenge. Although animal experiments have suggested that stem cell based therapy may be therapeutic in the management of heart failure in Chagas cardiomyopathy, clinical trials have not been promising.
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: G1260771809, Human serum carbonyl proteome in cardiovascular diseases, Sao Paulo- Minas Gerais Neglected Tropical Disease Research Center for Biomarker, Oxidative Response Networks in Chagasic Cardiomyopathy, Einstein Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program, Pathogenic contribution of lipid homeostasis to chagasic Cardiomyopathy, MECHANISMS AND MODULATION OF ACCELLULAR HbA TOXICITY, Pathogenesis of Oxidative Stress in Chagas Disease, Mitochondrial Biomarkers of Cardiomyopathy and Cure in Chagas Disease, Sao Paulo-Minas Gerais Tropical Medicine Research Center for Chagas Disease Biomarker Discovery, G9000017815
OpenAlex ID: W2267418655