Journal of cardiac failure
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Comparative Study
Role of cardiac resynchronization in end-stage heart failure patients requiring inotrope therapy.
Outcomes among inotrope-treated heart failure (HF) patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) have not been well characterized, particularly in those requiring intravenous inotropes at the time of implant. ⋯ Inotrope-dependent HF patients show significantly worse survival despite CRT than inotrope-naïve patients, in part because of more comorbid conditions at baseline. CRT may not provide a survival advantage over a standard defibrillator among patients who have received inotropes before CRT. Weaning from inotropes and initiating neurohormonal antagonists before CRT should be an important goal among inotrope-dependent HF patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Impact of dopamine infusion on renal function in hospitalized heart failure patients: results of the Dopamine in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (DAD-HF) Trial.
Worsening renal function (WRF) and hypokalemia related to diuretic use for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) are common and associated with poor prognosis. Low-dose dopamine infusion improves renal perfusion; its effect on diuresis or renal function specifically in ADHF is not known. ⋯ In ADHF patients, the combination of low-dose furosemide and low-dose dopamine is equally effective as high-dose furosemide but associated with improved renal function profile and potassium homeostasis.