Use of inotropic agents in critical illness.
Inotropic agents are useful in increasing oxygen delivery in critically ill patients. The need for inotropic support requires careful assessment of all the available cardiovascular variables. Following the decision to stimulate contractility, the choice of inotrope should take into consideration the adrenergic receptor populations and their effects on the distribution of blood flow. All the inotropes should be administered for a predetermined effect. If this response is not realized, the inotrope should be discontinued. The indiscriminate use of these powerful but dangerous drugs should be discouraged. However, in periods of decreasing oxygen delivery and consumption, these agents improve tissue oxygenation and prevent the development of isolated or multiple organ dysfunction.
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.
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Stanford
D015647:2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002302:Cardiac Output / Q000187:drug effects*; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003422:Critical Care; D004298:Dopamine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018818:Fenoldopam; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007650:Ketanserin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood*; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011804:Quinolines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D002395:Catecholamines; D007093:Imidazoles; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D011804:Quinolines; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; C046318:dopexamine; D015647:2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepine; C047316:flosequinan; D007650:Ketanserin; C029758:sulmazole; D018818:Fenoldopam; D010100:Oxygen; D004298:Dopamine