Acute hemodynamic and metabolic effects of ICI 118,587 (Corwin), a selective partial beta 1 agonist, in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

The effects of acute intravenous administration of ICI 118,587 (Corwin), a partial beta 1 agonist, were studied in nine patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and symptomatic congestive heart failure. Hemodynamic and metabolic parameters were measured using Swan-Ganz, arterial, and coronary sinus catheters. Repeated doses of Corwin produced no significant change in left ventricular performance, while a trend towards decreased blood pressure and stroke work was seen. No change occurred in coronary sinus blood flow, transmyocardial lactate extraction, or catecholamine release. One patient had significant depression of left ventricular function with hypotension. Thus, acute infusion of Corwin produced no beneficial inotropic responses, but rather produced features suggestive of further myocardial depression.