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Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Intravenous Inotropic Therapy in Advanced Heart Failure.
Circ Heart Fail. 2015 Jul 15;
Authors: Hashim T, Sanam K, Revilla-Martinez M, Morgan CJ, Tallaj JA, Pamboukian SV, Loyaga-Rendon RY, George JF, Acharya D
Abstract
BACKGROUND: -Inotrope use in heart failure was associated with improved symptoms, but worse survival in clinical trials. However, these studies predated use of modern heart failure therapies. This study evaluates contemporary outcomes on long-term inotropes.
METHODS AND RESULTS: -We collected baseline and post-inotrope data on 197 patients discharged on inotropes between January 2007 and March 2013. Baseline characteristics, hemodynamic and clinical changes on inotropes, and survival were evaluated. Patients initiated on inotropes had refractory heart failure, with median baseline NYHA Class IV, cardiac index 1.7 L/min/m(2), PCWP 25.6 mmHg, and LVEF 18.7%. Inotropes were used in patients listed for transplant or scheduled for LVAD (60 patients), in patients being evaluated for LVAD/transplant (20 patients), for stabilization pending CRT/PCI(4 patients), in patients who were offered LVAD but chose inotropes (15 patients), and for palliation (98 patients). Milrinone was used in 84.8% and dobutamine in 15.2%. At the end of the study, 68 patients had died, 24 were weaned off inotropes, 23 were transplanted, 32 received LVADs, and 50 remained on inotropes. Patients who received inotropes for palliation or those who preferred inotropes over LVAD had median survival of 9.0 months (IQR 3.1, 37.1 months), actuarial 1-year survival of 47.6%, and 2-year survival of 38.4%. Of 60 patients who were placed on inotropes as a bridge to transplant/LVAD, 55 were successfully maintained on inotropes until transplant/LVAD CONCLUSIONS: -Survival on inotropes for patients who are not candidates for transplant/LVAD is modestly better than previously reported, but remains poor. Inotropes are effective as a bridge to transplant/LVAD.
PMID: 26179184 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]