[Hemodynamic effects of milrinone on patients with chronic congestive heart failure: a multicenter study. Cooperative Group for Phase II Clinical Trial of Milrinone].

In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled trial, hemodynamic effects of domestic milrinone were studied in 57 patients with functional class III or IV chronic congestive heart failure. The baseline values of hemodynamic parameters were measured with standard method through Swan-Ganz catheter. During intravenous infusion of milrinone or placebo, the changes of hemodynamic parameters were monitored throughout the procedure. Compared with the baseline values, cardiac index increased from 2.20 +/- 0.64 to 2.95 +/- 0.71L/min.m2 (P < 0.05) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure fell from 22.7 +/- 7.64 to 15.56 +/- 8.13 mmHg (P < 0.05) during intravenous infusion of milrinone. The placebo had no effects on hemodynamics in this group of patients. Milrinone has both inotropic and vasodilative effects on patients with chronic congestive heart failure.