Acute positive inotropic intervention: the catecholamines.

Abstract

The catecholamines remain a major therapeutic group in intensive cardiac care; this group of compounds evokes a positive inotropic response and vascular effects ranging from vasoconstriction to little net effect to vasodilatation. Hemodynamics and clinical guidelines now allow a proper selection of the optimal catecholamine. Additional mechanisms of action and a better understanding of the clinical application of this important drug group are continuing to unfold.