New insights in the pathogenesis and therapy of idiopathic recurrent pericarditis in children

CER6257
2013 Vol.31, N°5
PI 0788, PF 0794
Review

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PMID: 23981280 [PubMed]

Received: 10/01/2013
Accepted : 03/04/2013
In Press: 02/08/2013
Published: 19/09/2013

Abstract

Pericarditis has several different causes, however, in about 70% of paediatric patients, a specific aetiology cannot be detected and the pericarditis is considered idiopathic. Recurrences may occur in up to 15–30% of cases. The pathogenesis of recurrent disease is controversial. Infectious, autoimmune and autoinflammatory pathways have been proposed as mechanisms involved in recurrences. Therapeutic strategies are not standardised, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at high dosages being the mainstay of therapy with the possible addition of low dose colchicine to prevent recurrences. Biological agents are considered a possible new therapeutic frontiers in the care of idiopathic recurrent pericarditis.