Effect of arotinolol on left ventricular function in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of long-term treatment with arotinolol in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM).

Methods: Sixty-three patients with IDCM were evaluated at baseline and after 12-month therapy with arotinolol. The conventional therapy for congestive heart failure was continued throughout the study with arotinolol as the only beta-blocker. Left ventricular function was assessed with the New York Heart Association functional class and two-dimensional echocardiography.

Results: After 12-month arotinolol treatment, there was a significant improvement in left ventricular systolic function. Left ventricular end-systolic dimension significantly decreased from 59.52 +/- 8.83 mm to 50.89 +/- 8.17 mm (P < 0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction significantly increased from 27.39% +/- 7.94% to 41.13% +/- 9.45% ( P < 0.001). Left ventricular mass index decreased from 150.47 +/- 42.42 g/m2 to 141.58 +/- 34.36 g/m2 (P < 0.01). No adverse events leading to premature discontinuation of study drug occurred.

Conclusion: In this preliminary study, 12-month arotinolol treatment has a favorable effect on left ventricular function in patients with IDCM, and it is safe and well tolerated.