Use of digoxin immune Fab (ovine) for the regulation of sodium/potassium ATPase activity in preeclamptic and eclamptic patients

Abstract

A method of regulating a preeclamptic / eclamptic patient's sodium / potassium ATPase activity includes the administration of digoxin immune Fab (ovine). It is theorized that an endogenous digitalis-like factor present in preeclamptic and eclamptic patients inhibits the functioning of sodium / potassium ATPase, resulting in elevated level of intracellular sodium and calcium levels. These elevated intracellular sodium and calcium levels lead to intravascular volume contraction and vasoconstriction. Digoxin immune Fab (ovine) binds with the endogenous digitalis-like factor to prevent it from interfering with the functioning of the sodium / potassium ATPase, thereby allowing the patient's intracellular sodium and calcium to return to a more normal level.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 10 / 202,957, filed Jul. 25, 2002.[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of medicine and, more particularly, to a method of regulating sodium / potassium ATPase activity in obstetric patients exhibiting symptoms of preeclampsia and eclampsia by the administration of digoxin immune Fab (ovine).DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART[0003] Preeclampsia is a rapidly progressive condition occurring during pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, swelling and protein in the urine. It is specifically defined as the presence of hypertension or pregnancy-induced hypertension ("PIH") accompanied by proteinuria, edema, or both after 20 weeks gestation. Preeclampsia occurs in 5 to 10 percent of all pregnancies and is most common in first-time pregnancies or in first pregnancies with a new partner or husband. Typically, preeclampsia occurs in the late second or third trimesters of...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a means to reverse intravascular volume contraction, vasoconstriction and exaggerated myocardial function in preeclamptic / eclamptic patients.

Problems solved by technology

Preeclampsia causes vasospasm, which constricts and damages the smooth lining of the blood vessels.

This leads to the accumulation of platelets in the damaged blood vessels, which form small clots along the blood vessel wall and further narrow the blood vessel.

This damage to blood vessels can also lead to edema, including cerebral edema.

Vasospasm can occur throughout the body, damaging the heart, kidneys and liver.

The only "cure" for the disease is delivery of the baby, which is generally contrary to the best interests of the baby if it is not near term.

However, if the condition does not respond to traditional management options, early delivery may be the only option remaining.

In certain instances, the placenta is unable to fully develop the necessary tight connection with the uterine wall.

This faulty connection makes the exchange of the required nutrients between the mother and fetus and / or placenta more difficult and places stress on the fetus.

The resulting inhibition of these ATPase pumps produces an imbalance of sodium and potassium in the intra and extra cellular space.

In cases of severe digitalis intoxication, a patient's serum potassium concentration can be elevated to life-threatening levels, due to the shifting of potassium from inside to outside of the patient's cells.

This leads to increased renal excretion of potassium and, possibly, to hyperkalemia with a total body deficit of potassium.

During diastole, little or no blood is flowing to the fetus and / or placenta, placing further stress on the fetus and restricting oxygenation, fluid exchange and nutrition, potentially resulting in growth restriction of the fetus.

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