ISSN:
1573-7241
Keywords:
dopexamine
;
double-blind withdrawal study
;
acute heart failure
;
balanced vasodilation
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Acute hemodynamic effects of intravenous infusion of dopexamine were evaluated by a placebo-controlled withdrawal study in patients with acute congestive heart failure. Twenty patients were enrolled at 10 centers in Japan. All patients had a pulmonary capillary or diastolic pressure of 15 mmHg or greater and a cardiac index of 2.5 l/min/m2 or less.Phase I: Intravenous dopexamine was introduced in a single-blind, uncontrolled fashion at the rate of 0.5 µg/kg/min and was titrated up to achieve a 30% or more increase in the cardiac index. Two patients withdrew from the study due to sinus tachycardia and ventricular ectopy or exacerbation of heart failure.Phase II: The remaining 18 responders who were free of limiting side effects were randomized in double-blind fashion to continue dopexamine or to switch to placebo for an additional 60 minutes. At the end of phase II, the hemodynamic improvement obtained in phase I of the study disappeared completely after substitution of placebo but was maintained in dopexamine-treated patients. Our findings suggest that dopexamine, when given in appropriate doses to selected patients, shows balanced vasodilator action suitable for the treatment of acute congestive heart failure.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00879873
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