The use of positive inotropes in end-of-life heart failure care.
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.
Nauman
Deirdre J
DJ
Oregon Health and Science University, Division of Cardiology, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA. naumand@ohsu.edu
Hershberger
Ray E
RE
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
D002316:Cardiotonic Agents