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Nephrol Dial Transplant (2003) 18: 906-910
© 2003 European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association

High prevalence of fenfluramine-related aortic regurgitation in women with end-stage renal disease secondary to Chinese herb nephropathy

Philippe Unger, Joëlle Nortier, Marie-Carmen Muniz Martinez, Danièle Plein, Jean-Luc Vandenbossche, Pierre Vereerstraeten and Jean-Louis Vanherweghem

Cardiology and Nephrology Departments, Erasme Hospital and Cardiology Department, Saint-Pierre Hospital, Brussels, Belgium

Background. Non-controlled studies have noted a high prevalence of valvular regurgitation in patients with Chinese herb nephropathy; most of these patients had taken appetite suppressants. We aimed to determine the prevalence of valvular regurgitation and the role of appetite suppressants in patients with Chinese herb nephropathy.

Methods. This case-controlled echocardiographic study included 40 patients with end-stage renal failure due to Chinese herb nephropathy and 37 age-matched controls with end-stage renal disease due to nephropathy of other origin. Quantification of cumulative doses of appetite suppressants was performed.

Results. Aortic regurgitation was detected in 52.5% of patients with Chinese herb nephropathy, 72±1 months after stopping appetite suppressants, and in 21.6% of controls (P=0.009). No difference was found in the incidence of mitral or tricuspid regurgitation. A history of slimming medication was the only significant determinant for aortic regurgitation (P=0.009). Higher cumulative doses of Chinese herbs, (dex)fenfluramine and diethylpropion were observed in patients with Chinese herb nephropathy with, when compared to those without, aortic regurgitation. The dose–response relationship between the cumulative dose of drugs and the presence of aortic regurgitation was significant for fenfluramine only (chi-square=5.16, P=0.024).

Conclusions. Six years after stopping appetite suppressants, aortic regurgitation remains highly prevalent among patients with end-stage Chinese herb nephropathy. The dose-related association with fenfluramine intake strongly confirms a determinant pathogenic role of anorectic drugs.

Keywords: appetite suppressants; aortic regurgitation; Chinese herb nephropathy; fenfluramine

Correspondence and offprint requests to: Philippe Unger, MD, Cardiology Department, Erasme Hospital, 808, route de Lennik, B-1070 Brussels, Belgium. Email: punger{at}ulb.ac.be


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