title: [Inotropic agents for treatment of acute heart failure syndromes in intensive care].
abstract: Acute Heart Failure Syndromes are defined as the rapid progression, or de novo presentation, of heart failure signs and symptoms. When clinical signs of low cardiac output are present, therapy with positive inotropic agents in an acute cardiac care unit is mandatory. Three classes of inotropic drugs are currently available, including beta-adrenergic agonists (especially dobutamine), phosphodiesterase inhibitors (such as milrinone) and the recently developed calcium sensitizers (levosimendan). In this article, we summarize the mechanisms of action of these different classes of drugs, and also discuss important issues regarding their clinical indications and the potential risks associated with their use.
authors.affiliation: Service de médecine intensive adulte, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne. marco.rusca@chuv.ch
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rusca
authors.forename: Lucas
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Liaudet
mesh_terms: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003422:Critical Care; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006835:Hydrazones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011724:Pyridazines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077464:Simendan
chemical_list: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D006835:Hydrazones; D011724:Pyridazines; D000077464:Simendan