Arginine Therapy and Cardiopulmonary Hemodynamics in Hospitalized Children with Sickle Cell Anemia A Prospective, Double-blinded, Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial

Rationale: Acute changes in cardiopulmonary hemodynamics that include tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (TRV) elevation measured by Doppler echocardiography are often encountered during sickle cell vasoocclusive pain and acute chest syndrome (ACS). Arginine and nitric oxide depletion develop in patients with these complications. Arginine administration may therefore improve nitric oxide bioavailability and potentiate pulmonary vasodilatation. Objectives: To evaluate effects of L-arginine supplementation on Doppler indices of cardiopulmonary hemodynamics in children with sickle cell anemia experiencing pain. Methods: This was a prospective, double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial of oral arginine in children with sickle cell anemia age 5-17 years hospitalized with severe pain and/or ACS. Measurements and Main Results: Blood biomarkers and Doppler echocardiographic indices of cardiopulmonary hemodynamics were measured before and after supplementation. The mean change in TRV, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and other indices of cardiopulmonary hemodynamics were tested with paired Student's t test and correlated with markers of arginine bioavailability using Pearson correlation. Sixty-six children were randomized into arginine versus placebo groups. An elevated TRV 2.5 m/s was seen in 40 (61%) patients. A Day 5 Doppler echocardiogram was performed in 47 patients who remained hospitalized. A greater reduction in median TRV occurred in the arginine group than placebo (22.2%, n = 22 vs. 3.8%, n = 25; p < 0.01). A larger percentage increase in global arginine bioavailability was associated with a lower TRV after 5 days of supplementation (r = -0.533; P = 0.001). Significant differences in multiple indices of cardiopulmonary hemodynamics and mean N-terminal pro B-type brain natriuretic peptide were also noted after arginine therapy. Conclusions: Oral arginine supplementation improves cardiopulmonary hemodynamics during sickle cell disease vasoocclusive pain and ACS.

Automated summary

This study found that oral arginine supplementation can improve cardiopulmonary hemodynamics in children with sickle cell anemia experiencing pain. After supplementation, the patients showed improved indices of cardiopulmonary function, and there was a negative correlation with markers of arginine bioavailability.