Inotropic and Vasopressor Drugs Used in Cardiac Surgery: aNarrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51481/amc.v68i1.1579Keywords:
cardiovascular surgical procedures, pharmacology, catecholamines, vasoconstrictor agents, inotropic agentsAbstract
In cardiac surgery, the use of positive inotropes and vasopressors is a cornerstone for treating various phenotypes of arterial hypotension or low cardiac output syndrome. However, these drugs have a narrow therapeutic window and are associated with high morbidity, with potentially catastrophic consequences for patients. Therefore, the selection of these drugs must be individualized and grounded in physiological and clinical considerations supported by the best available scientific evidence, always weighing the risk–benefit balance. This article aims to provide essential information for physicians who manage the postoperative care of cardiac surgery patients and who routinely use these agents.
A narrative review was conducted searching PubMed, Embase and Scielo using MeSH terms and Boolean operators related to inotropic agents and vasopressor (vasoconstrictor) agents in adult cardiac surgery. Peer reviewed original articles, reviews, meta-analysis and Clinical guidelines published between 1959 and 2024 were included and appraised by methodological rigor and perioperative clinical relevance.
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