Current and Future Treatment for Pericarditis

Abstract

Acute pericarditis is a common disorder in several clinical settings, and may be the first manifestation of an underlying systemic disease. Disease management is often troublesome and concerns may arise regarding the fear of missing a specific etiology, the possible complications, particularly the evolution toward constrictive pericarditis, and the search for new drugs, following a presumed failure of current treatments. The response is often disproportionate, with extensive repeated diagnostic work-up, frequent readmissions and increasing use of new drugs with a doubtful risk–benefit ratio, often without an evidence-based approach. Frustration and management mistakes are common causes of a prolonged course of the disease and frequent consultations. A vicious circle is thereby maintained and is fostered by the relative lack of clinical trials and evidence-based guidelines. The aim of this paper is to review more recent studies and trials in order to develop a more evidence-based management of the disease.

Keywords: :

• aspirin
• cardiovascular medicine
• colchicine
• corticosteroids
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• pericarditis
• prognosis
• therapy

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Notes

*Increasing reports from France, depends on country and patient subsets.