Are phosphodiesterase inhibitors superior to dobutamine in the treatment of decompensated cardiac failure?
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Report By: Alan Grayson - Registrar, Emergency Medicine
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Institution: East Lancashire Hospitals' NHS Trust
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Date Submitted: 24th November 2009
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Last Modified: 26th November 2009
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Status:
Blue (submitted but not checked)
Three Part Question
In [an adult presenting with decompensated heart failure and pulmonary oedema] are [phosphodiesterase inhibitors superior to dobutamine] for [reduction in mortality and morbidity]?Clinical Scenario
It's 6 a.m. The standby phone goes and the ambulance service tell you there bringing in a chap with severe heart failure, low sats and a low BP. You attempt to stabilise him in resus. BIPAP is instituted to compensate for the respiratory failure; a small dose of IV nitrates is infused and a catheter is passed. Despite your best efforts, he remains dyspnoeic and hypotensive. You call up to ICU looking to steal some enoximone or milrinone, having previously used these agents with success, but a consultant intensivist suggests using dobutamine instead as "it does the same job". After initiating dobutamine therapy and successful transfer to CCU, you resolve to go home and find out if he's right or not.