The use of positive inotropes in end-of-life heart failure care

Curr Heart Fail Rep. 2007 Sep;4(3):158-63. doi: 10.1007/s11897-007-0035-0.

Abstract

End-stage heart failure is associated with mortality equivalent to cancer, yet there is little information about palliative therapy for this disease. Chronic outpatient support with inotropes provides symptomatic relief and life extension for those select patients demonstrating dependence on positive inotropic therapy. The purpose of this review is to provide information about process and implementation of chronic outpatient support with inotropes in patients with end-stage heart failure.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiotonic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Heart Failure / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Palliative Care / methods*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Cardiotonic Agents