Current and future uses of nesiritide.
Nesiritide, recombinant human B-type natriuretic peptide, is an intravenous vasodilator that is used to treat acutely decompensated heart failure. In addition to its modest diuretic and natriuretic properties, nesiritide reduces intracardiac filling pressures, increases cardiac index and improves symptoms. Long-term safety data are accruing, and a number of ongoing clinical trials will explore the potential benefit of nesiritide in a variety of clinical situations: peri-operative cardiac surgery, serial out-patient infusions, continuous out-patient or pretransplant infusions, and infusions in patients with pulmonary hypertension, bronchospasm, renal insufficiency, and acute coronary syndromes. Alternative delivery methods also are under development.
Hobbs
Robert E
RE
hobbsr@ccf.org
Tang
Wilson
W