title: Inotropic therapy in the critically ill patient.
abstract: Inotropic support is an important therapeutic modality in the intensive care unit. There are three classes of agents available to the clinician: catecholamines, bipyridines, and cardiac glycosides. Each class increases inotropy by a different mechanism and each agent has distinct physiological and pharmacological actions. It is important to understand the underlying pathophysiology involved so the appropriate inotrope can be chosen on a rational basis. Prior to and during therapy invasive hemodynamic monitoring is required to ensure proper titration of the chosen agent. If an undesirable effect ensues, therapy can then be modified.
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Lindeborg
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Pearl
mesh_terms: D000676:Amrinone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002301:Cardiac Glycosides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000628:therapy*; D017335:Enoximone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D020105:Milrinone; D011728:Pyridones / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D002301:Cardiac Glycosides; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D002395:Catecholamines; D011728:Pyridones; D017335:Enoximone; D020105:Milrinone; D000676:Amrinone