Intravenous inotropic agents in the intensive therapy unit: do they really make a difference?

Part of the management of refractory heart failure is treatment aimed at preventing organ damage due to inadequate oxygen delivery, improving hemodynamics, and maximizing cardiac output while maintaining only mildly elevated ventricular filling pressures The aim of this paper is to review the most updated indications on intravenous inotropic agents, and to compare their cardiac and peripheral effects. Finally, clinical implications of their use (alone or in combination) are reviewed.