New Advances and Ongoing Challenges in the Use of Biologic Agents in Cardiac Sarcoidosis and Other Inflammatory Cardiomyopathies

AbstractPurpose of reviewInflammatory cardiomyopathies encompass several different conditions revolving around inflammation. Experts, supported primarily by experience, have utilized immunosuppression as a treatment option to halt the inflammation and prevent the common end result of dilated cardiomyopathy. Very limited evidence exists to support a uniformed approach.Recent findingsStandard immunosuppression protocols are typically used to treat inflammatory cardiomyopathies associated with systemic inflammatory diseases. However, specific features such as eosinophilic infiltration or fulminant course merit a more aggressive and targeted approach. As our understanding of inflammation continues to evolve, the more directed biologic agents have been more successfully used as alternatives to more traditional immunosuppression.SummarySubtyping inflammatory cardiomyopathies, including better immune-profiling, might aid more specific approaches. This review discusses the mechanisms of disease and new advances in the use of biologic agents in treatment of inflammatory cardiomyopathies, including cardiac sarcoidosis.
Source: Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research