title: [Positive inotropic substances--therapeutic perspectives].
abstract: In severe chronic heart failure, myocardial beta-adrenoceptors are downregulated and G-proteins inhibiting adenylate cyclase activity are augmented. Because of these biochemical changes, all positive inotropic drugs that need cAMP for their contractile effects lose their efficacy. Among the positive inotropic drugs used today for treatment of heart failure, only cardiac glycosides remain effective without development of tolerance as long as enough contractile myocardium is left. Controlled studies with phosphodiesterase III inhibitors (milrinone and enoximone) have revealed an unfavorable prognosis in these patients in comparison to placebo. Thus, these drugs are not indicated in chronic heart failure. In higher classes of chronic heart failure, therapy should always be a combination of diuretics, digitalis, and ACE-inhibitors.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Klinik I, Universität München, Klinikum Grosshadern.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Erdmann
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Böhm
mesh_terms: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents
vernacular_title: Positiv inotrope Substanzen--Therapeutische Perspektiven.