Long-term effect of a new beta-agonist prenalterol in patients with severe congestive heart failure
Lambertz, H.; Erbel, R.; Meyer, J.; Schweizer, P.; Effert, S.
Zeitschrift für Kardiologie 71(2): 65-74
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-5860 PMID: 6122313 Document Number: 183317
In a randomized controlled double-blind study the long-term effect of the .beta.-receptor agonist prenalterol was examined in 16 patients suffering from severe congestive heart failure. In all patients, the basic medication with cardiac glycosides and diuretics was not sufficient to compensate heart failure. Before administration, after 1 wk and after 3 mo. of continuous oral intake of prenalterol, night heart catheterization, M-mode, echocardiography and measurements of systolic time intervals were performed. Prenalterol increased heart rate from 85 .+-. 5 to 93 .+-. 3 beats/min after 1 wk (n.s. decreased by 7.6 .+-. 4.3%. After 3 mo., the decrease was only 2.6 .+-. 4.1%. By 3 independent methods a significant positive inotropic effect after 1 wk of therapy could be demonstrated, which exceeded the effect of cardiac glycosides and diuretics. After 3 mo., the prenalterol effect was no longer so marked. Besides a good early effect the results of a long-term treatment varied from patient to patient.