Reduction in pulmonary hypertension and in airway resistances by enoximone (MDL 17,043) in decompensated COPD.

Hemodynamics, blood gas values, and lung mechanics were investigated in 19 patients with decompensated COPD before and 30 and 60 minutes after a slow (15 minute) intravenous administration of 3 mg/kg enoximone (MDL 17,043). In the first 11 patients who were spontaneously breathing, enoximone significantly decreased pulmonary arterial wedge pressure, right atrial pressure, mean systemic arterial pressure, and mean pulmonary arterial pressure. Cardiac output remained unchanged, while heart rate increased slightly. Lung resistance decreased and dynamic lung compliance increased. Blood gas values remained unchanged. Similar effects were observed in the next eight patients who were artificially ventilated, except for an increase in cardiac output. These results show that enoximone has bronchodilating and pulmonary vasodilating properties.