Abstract

A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON DRUG MILRINONE TO PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE WITH REDUCED EJECTION FRACTION

Ravi Prakash Degala*, N. Suvarna Jyothi, K. Chandra Sekhar, Ch. Arun Kumar, B. Amar Pradeep and K. Manojvarma

Abstract

Background: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a clinical syndrome characterized by impaired ventricular function, leading to insufficient cardiac output. Milrinone, a phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor with inotropic and vasodilatory properties, is commonly used in acute decompensated heart failure to improve hemodynamics. However, its role, efficacy, and safety in patients with HFrEF remain areas of ongoing evaluation. Objective: This study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes, hemodynamic effects, and safety profile of milrinone in patients diagnosed with HFrEF. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over a defined period in a tertiary care setting. Patients with confirmed HFrEF receiving milrinone as part of their therapeutic regimen were enrolled. Data on patient demographics, baseline characteristics, ejection fraction, dosage and duration of milrinone therapy, and outcomes including symptom relief, hospitalization duration, adverse events, and mortality were collected and analyzed. Results: Among the enrolled patients, significant improvement in clinical symptoms and hemodynamic parameters was observed in a majority of cases. Adverse effects were noted in a subset of patients, including arrhythmias and hypotension. Milrinone was generally well-tolerated, and its use was associated with short-term improvement in cardiac output. Conclusion: Milrinone may offer symptomatic and hemodynamic benefits in selected patients with HFrEF. While it appears to be effective in acute settings, careful patient selection and monitoring are essential to minimize adverse effects. Further randomized controlled studies are recommended to validate these findings.

Keywords: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), Milrinone, Inotropic agents, Phosphodiesterase inhibitors, Acute decompensated heart failure, Hemodynamics, Prospective observational study.