Prognostic value of hemodynamic vs big endothelin measurements during long-term IV therapy in advanced heart failure patients

Study objective: To compare hemodynamics and plasma big endothelin levels in patients awaiting heart transplantation who are receiving continuous IV therapy, and to establish their respective potency for predicting future cardiac events. Design: A randomized, prospective trial of ambulatory continuous treatment with IV prostaglandin E-1 (PGE(1)) vs dobutamine. A. subanalysis was conducted of an patients who completed 4 weeks of follow-up in regard to treatment effects on hemodynamics and big endothelin plasma levels. Patients: Thirty-two listed heart transplant candidates who were refractory to oral treatment, 21 patients who were receiving PGE(1), and 11 patients receiving dobutamine. Measurements and results: Hemodynamics and plasma big endothelin levels were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks. The cardiac index increased significantly (PGE(1) group, 1.7 +/- 0.4 vs 2.5 +/- 0.6 L/min/m(2); dobutamine group, 1.8 +/- 0.3 vs 2.3 +/- 0.6 L/min/m(2); p < 0.05), whereas the systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) decreased significantly only in the PGE(1) group (3,352 +/- 954 vs 2,178 +/- 519 dyne . s . cm(-5)/m(2); p < 0.05). The plasma big endothelin level decreased significantly (PGE(1) group, 7.6 +/- 3.1 vs 4.7 +/- 2.6 fmol/mL; dobutamine group, 6.5 +/- 3.7 vs 5.0 +/- 2.6 fmol/mL; p < 0.01 for the time effect). Plasma big endothelin (beta = 0.393; chi(2) = 10.8; p = 0.001) and SVRI: (beta = 0.003; chi(2) = 6.9; p < 0.01), both measured after 4 weeks of continuous treatment, were the only independent predictors of future outcome. Conclusion: Continuous treatment over 4 weeks with either PGE(1) or dobutamine in patients awaiting heart transplantation yields an improved hemodynamic state accompanied by a reduction of increased big endothelin levels. Plasma big endothelin measured after 4 weeks of continuous therapy provides prognostic information about future outcome.