Purpose: To assess the hemodynamic effects of milrinone in a 48h intravenous infusion in patients with severe congestive heart failure (CHF) (NYHA class III or IV).
Methods: Forty patients with CHF were sequentially evaluated. Right heart catheterization was performed in order to measure, before and after administration of milrinone, several hemodynamic parameters (cardiac index, pulmonary wedge pressure, systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance).
Results: There was a significant improvement in hemodynamic parameters (cardiac index, cardiac output), and a decrease in systemic vascular resistance and pulmonary vascular resistance. Serious side effects were not observed in these patients.
Conclusion: These findings indicate that milrinone is effective in the treatment of deteriorating phases of CHF and suggest that milrinone should be used in these select patients.