[New knowledge on the subject of therapy in cardiac decompensation in the light of large trials].
Although an underlying disturbance in cardiac function can be identified in most patients with congestive heart failure, manifestations of the disease are greatly influenced by other factors, particularly neurohumoral and peripheral adaptive responses which occur secondary to impaired cardiac function. Until recently diuretic agents and digoxin formed the basis of conventional treatment of this condition. The majority of clinical trials published since 1980, indicate that digoxin lessens symptoms and reduces morbidity associated with congestive heart failure particularly in patients with more advanced symptoms and ventricular dysfunction. The efficacy of digitalis in congestive heart failure may in part result from sympathoinhibitory properties such as the activation of baroreceptorial mechanisms. At present there is no conclusive evidence that cardiac glycosides improve survival. Several trials clearly indicate that angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (enalapril, captopril) can reduce both morbidity and mortality in symptomatic congestive heart failure. Asymptomatic patients like those with severe left ventricular dysfunction and those who are at high risk for left ventricular remodeling after anterior wall myocardial infarction may also benefit from ACE-inhibition therapy. Increasing evidence suggests that beta-adrenergic blockade can produce symptomatic and hemodynamic improvement in heart failure of idiopathic and ischemic aetiology. Appropriately powered randomized controlled trials are required to determine the impact on survival of beta-blockers.
Divisione e Cattedra di Cardiologia, Ospedale Maggiore, Università degli Studi di Trieste.
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Camerini
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Perkan
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Sinagra
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Di Lenarda
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Pinamonti
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Zecchin
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D004070:Digitalis; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010919:Placebos; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D010947:Plants, Toxic; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D004232:Diuretics; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D010919:Placebos; D014665:Vasodilator Agents
Nuove conoscenze in tema di terapia dello scompenso cardiaco alla luce dei grandi trial.