Nesiritide use for critically ill children awaiting cardiac transplantation.
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to explore the effects of nesiritide in children awaiting cardiac transplantation.


METHODS
At the discretion of the attending physician, nesiritide was added to standard therapy for seven children (median age, 11 months) and continued until clinical improvement or transplantation. Blood pressure and urine output data were compared with data from the day before nesiritide institution. Safety parameters were assessed throughout the study.


RESULTS
Urine output increased from 2.6 to 3.6 ml/kg/h (p = 0.04). No significant blood pressure changes or adverse effects related to nesiritide were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
Nesiritide may be safe and effective for children with severe heart failure.
Sehra
R
R
Loma Linda University, c/o 13546 Mango Drive, Del Mar, CA , 92014, USA. ruchir@earthlink.net.
Underwood
K
K
University of Southern California School of Medicine, c/o 13546 Mango Drive, Del Mar, CA , 92014, USA.
D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D003422:Critical Care; D004231:Diuresis / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D009318:Natriuresis / Q000187:drug effects; D045283:Natriuretic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014850:Waiting Lists
D045283:Natriuretic Agents; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain