Short-term Hemodynamic Effects of Immunoadsorption in Dilated Cardiomyopathy

9 patients with severe dilated cardiomyopathy (LVEF <25%), mean age 43.5 years (range 25 to 58 years), on stable drug therapy including ACE inhibitors, digitalis, diuretics, and beta-blockers.

Immunoadsorption (IA) performed over 5 consecutive days with an immunoadsorber for immunoglobulin.

Hemodynamic parameters (cardiac output, mean arterial pressure, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, left ventricular filling pressure, systemic vascular resistance) and anti-beta1-adrenergic receptor antibodies monitored during 5 days of therapy.surrogate