title: [Pimobendan (UDCG 115 BS) in long-term therapy of chronic heart failure].
abstract: Pimobendan is a positive inotropic agent with additional calcium-sensitizing effects of the phosphodiesterase III-inhibitor group. In short-term studies, beneficial hemodynamic effects have been demonstrated in patients with congestive heart failure. The aim of this prospective study was to examine the long-term effect of pimobendan (during at least 6 months) on subjective state, hemodynamic parameters, and arrhythmias in patients with congestive heart failure NYHA classes II and III. After double-blind randomization, 24 patients received pimobendan 5 mg bid or placebo orally in addition to a basic therapy (diuretics, digitalis). After 3 months, pimobendan-treated patients showed a significant clinical improvement (p < 0.03). In the placebo group, one patient underwent acute cardiac transplantation due to rapid clinical deterioration; another patient died suddenly after 5 months. No cardiac events occurred in the pimobendan group. In comparison to placebo, no proarrhythmogenic effect of pimobendan was detected. Clinical stabilization of patients in the pimobendan group was not paralleled by improvement of the hemodynamic parameters of left-ventricular performance.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Kardiologie, Universität Wien.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bergler-Klein
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Globits
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Stefenelli
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mayr
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Porenta
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sochor
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Glogar
mesh_terms: D002306:Cardiac Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000187:drug effects; D015716:Electrocardiography, Ambulatory / Q000187:drug effects; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011724:Pyridazines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D011724:Pyridazines; C041648:pimobendan
vernacular_title: Pimobendan (UDCG 115 BS) in der Langzeittherapie der chronischen Herzinsuffizienz.