inotropic support
Pharmacological assistance to improve cardiac contractility in pediatric patients with heart failure or after cardiac surgery.
Full Definition
Inotropic support involves the use of medications that enhance myocardial contractility to improve cardiac output in critically ill pediatric cardiac patients. Common inotropic agents include dobutamine, dopamine, epinephrine, and milrinone, each with specific mechanisms of action and hemodynamic effects. This support is frequently required in the perioperative period following complex congenital heart surgery or during episodes of acute heart failure. The choice of agent and dosing strategies are tailored to the patient's specific hemodynamic profile and underlying cardiac physiology.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as 'inotropes' in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The patient required escalating inotropic support with milrinone and epinephrine following the Norwood procedure." — Postoperative care note
- "Weaning of inotropic support was attempted on postoperative day three but was unsuccessful due to low cardiac output." — ICU progress note