title: Dobutamine in paediatric population: a systematic review in juvenile animal models.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although dobutamine is widely used in neonatal clinical practice, the evidence for its use in this specific population is not clear. We conducted a systematic review of the use of dobutamine in juvenile animals to determine whether the evidence from juvenile animal experiments with dobutamine supported the design of clinical trials in neonatal/paediatric population.
  
  
  METHODS
  Studies were identified by searching MEDLINE (1946-2012) and EMBASE (1974-2012). Articles retrieved were independently reviewed by three authors and only those concerning efficacy and safety of the drug in juvenile animals were included. Only original articles published in English and Spanish were included.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Following our literature search, 265 articles were retrieved and 24 studies were included in the review: 17 focused on neonatal models and 7 on young animal models. Although the aims and design of these studies, as well as the doses and ages analysed, were quite heterogeneous, the majority of authors agree that dobutamine infusion improves cardiac output in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, the cardiovascular effects of dobutamine are influenced by postnatal age, as well as by the dose used and the duration of the therapy. There is inadequate information about the effects of dobutamine on cerebral perfusion to draw conclusions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is enough preclinical evidence to ensure that dobutamine improves cardiac output, however to better understand its effects in peripheral organs, such as the brain, more specific and well designed studies are required to provide additional data to support the design of clinical trials in a paediatric population.
authors.affiliation: Experimental Research Unit, Biocruces Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain.
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Mielgo
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of the Basque Country, Barakaldo, Spain.
authors.forename: Adolf
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Valls i Soler
authors.affiliation: Experimental Research Unit, Biocruces Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain.
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rey-Santano
mesh_terms: D058665:Adrenergic beta-1 Receptor Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000187:drug effects; D004280:Dobutamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D006801:Humans; D023421:Models, Animal
chemical_list: D058665:Adrenergic beta-1 Receptor Agonists; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D004280:Dobutamine
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