Noninvasive assessment of mitoxantrone cardiotoxicity in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis

J Clin Pharmacol. 1995 Jun;35(6):627-32. doi: 10.1002/j.1552-4604.1995.tb05021.x.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is the most common cause of neurologic disability in young adults. Recent reports have suggested that Mitoxantrone might be a candidate for clinical trials in multiple sclerosis patients. The authors studied 20 patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis to evaluate cardiac toxicity during a one-year follow-up period. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A, mitoxantrone treated patients (cumulative dose of 96 mg/m2); group B, placebo patients. The clinical course of multiple sclerosis was assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale and the number of relapses during the follow-up. Each patient had an electrocardiogram and a spectral and color flow Doppler echocardiographic examination at enrollment, and 6 and 12 months later, to investigate cardiac toxicity. The mean exacerbation rate was reduced significantly in group A patients. No significant differences in the electrocardiograms or the echocardiographic parameters of systolic and diastolic function were noted between the two groups or in group A during the follow-up. Mitoxantrone treatment seems able to improve the clinical course of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients. It does not show any cardiac toxicity in selected patients at this dosage.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Heart / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Mitoxantrone / administration & dosage
  • Mitoxantrone / adverse effects*
  • Mitoxantrone / therapeutic use
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Recurrence
  • Time Factors
  • Ventricular Function, Left / drug effects

Substances

  • Mitoxantrone