Reassessing the role of milrinone in the treatment of heart failure and pulmonary hypertension in neonates and children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Conclusion: Our meta-analysis suggests potential clinical benefits of milrinone by improving cardiac function, likely driven by its systemic vasodilatory effects. However, questions arise about its inotropic influence and the presence of a lusitropic effect. Moreover, milrinone ’s pulmonary vasodilatory effect appears relatively weaker compared to its systemic actions. Further research is needed to elucidate milrinone’s precise mechanisms and refine its clinical applications in pediatric practice.What is Known:• Milrinone is a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor that has been used to treat a variety of pediatric and neonatal conditions.• Milrinone is believed to exert its therapeutic effects by enhancing cardiac contractility and promoting vascular relaxation.What is New:• Milrinone may not have a significant inotropic effect.• Milrinone's pulmonary vasodilatory effect is less robust than its systemic vasodilatory effect.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research