title: The use of positive inotropes in end-of-life heart failure care.
abstract: End-stage heart failure is associated with mortality equivalent to cancer, yet there is little information about palliative therapy for this disease. Chronic outpatient support with inotropes provides symptomatic relief and life extension for those select patients demonstrating dependence on positive inotropic therapy. The purpose of this review is to provide information about process and implementation of chronic outpatient support with inotropes in patients with end-stage heart failure.
authors: Oregon Health and Science University, Division of Cardiology, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA. naumand@ohsu.edu
authors: Deirdre J
authors: DJ
authors: Nauman
authors: Ray E
authors: RE
authors: Hershberger
mesh_terms: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents