Publications by authors named "Maria Luigia Martucci"

Article Synopsis
  • * Worsening episodes of heart failure are critical, leading to poor outcomes even in patients on optimal medication regimens.
  • * Vericiguat, a new drug that stimulates the guanylate cyclase pathway, shows promise in reducing hospitalizations for HFrEF patients despite ongoing treatment.
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Infusions of levosimendan delivered in ambulatory/outpatient settings have been shown to improve quality of life and reduce hospitalizations in patients with advanced heart failure (HF). The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of ambulatory infusion of levosimendan on echocardiographic markers of perfusion, congestion, and cardiovascular efficiency. Thirty patients with diagnosed advanced HF underwent ambulatorial infusion of levosimendan at a total dose of 6.

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Treatment with β-blockers is the main strategy for managing patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction because of their ability to reverse the neurohumoral effects of the sympathetic nervous system, with consequent prognostic and symptomatic benefits. However, to date, they are underused, mainly because of the misconception that hypotension and bradycardia may worsen the haemodynamic status of patients with HFrEF and because of the presence of comorbidities falsely believed to be absolute contraindications to their use. To promote proper use of β-blockers in this article, we review the clinical pharmacology of β-blockers, the evidence of the beneficial effects of these drugs in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, and the current guidelines for their use in clinical practice and in the presence of comorbidities (e.

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Patients with advanced heart failure suffer from severe and persistent symptoms, often not responding disease-modifying drugs, a marked limitation of functional capacity and poor quality of life that can ameliorate with inotropic drugs therapy. In small studies, pulsed infusions of classical inotropes (ie, dobutamine and milrinone) are associated with improvement in hemodynamic parameters and quality of life in patients with advanced heart failure. However, because of the adverse effects of these drugs, serious safety issues have been raised.

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