Reviews
Review and update on inotropes and vasopressors: Evidence-based use in cardiovascular diseases
Author(s): Macit Kalçık*, Mustafa Ozan Gürsoy, Mahmut Yesin, Süleyman Karakoyun, Yusuf Karavelioğlu and Mehmet Özkan
Patients in the intensive care unit frequently develop low-output syndromes due to cardiac dysfunction, myocardial injury and activation of inflammatory cascades. Pharmacological agents, including vasodilators, inotropes and vasopressors, are frequently used in the critical care setting for the management of unstable cardiac patients. These medications are used to elicit varying effects on vascular resistance, myocardial contractility and heart rate to achieve desired hemodynamic and clinical end points. Conventional inotropic agents appear to be useful in restoring hemodynamic parameters and improving peripheral organ perfusion, but they can increase short-term and long-term mortality in these patients. Novel inotropes may be promising in the management of cardiogenic shock patients without serious adverse effects. The present review summarizes the current knowledge about the pathoph.. Read More»
DOI:
10.4172/2368-0512.1000024
