Dobutamine for patients with severe heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

go back to reference Dickstein K, Cohen-Solal A, Filippatos G, McMurray JJ, Ponikowski P, Poole-Wilson PA, Stromberg A, van Veldhuisen DJ, Atar D, Hoes AW, Keren A, Mebazaa A, Nieminen M, Priori SG, Swedberg K, Vahanian A, Camm J, De Caterina R, Dean V, Funck-Brentano C, Hellemans I, Kristensen SD, McGregor K, Sechtem U, Silber S, Tendera M, Widimsky P, Zamorano JL (2008) ESC guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure 2008: the task force for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure 2008 of the European Society Of Cardiology. Developed in collaboration with the Heart Failure Association of the ESC (HFA) and endorsed by the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM). Eur Heart J 29:2388–2442. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehn309 PubMed Dickstein K, Cohen-Solal A, Filippatos G, McMurray JJ, Ponikowski P, Poole-Wilson PA, Stromberg A, van Veldhuisen DJ, Atar D, Hoes AW, Keren A, Mebazaa A, Nieminen M, Priori SG, Swedberg K, Vahanian A, Camm J, De Caterina R, Dean V, Funck-Brentano C, Hellemans I, Kristensen SD, McGregor K, Sechtem U, Silber S, Tendera M, Widimsky P, Zamorano JL (2008) ESC guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure 2008: the task force for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure 2008 of the European Society Of Cardiology. Developed in collaboration with the Heart Failure Association of the ESC (HFA) and endorsed by the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM). Eur Heart J 29:2388–2442. doi:10.​1093/​eurheartj/​ehn309 PubMed

go back to reference Weintraub NL, Collins SP, Pang PS, Levy PD, Anderson AS, Arslanian-Engoren C, Gibler WB, McCord JK, Parshall MB, Francis GS, Gheorghiade M (2010) Acute heart failure syndromes: emergency department presentation, treatment, and disposition: current approaches and future aims: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation 122:1975–1996. doi:10.1161/CIR.0b013e3181f9a223 PubMed Weintraub NL, Collins SP, Pang PS, Levy PD, Anderson AS, Arslanian-Engoren C, Gibler WB, McCord JK, Parshall MB, Francis GS, Gheorghiade M (2010) Acute heart failure syndromes: emergency department presentation, treatment, and disposition: current approaches and future aims: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation 122:1975–1996. doi:10.​1161/​CIR.​0b013e3181f9a223​ PubMed

go back to reference Follath F, Yilmaz MB, Delgado JF, Parissis JT, Porcher R, Gayat E, Burrows N, McLean A, Vilas-Boas F, Mebazaa A (2011) Clinical presentation, management and outcomes in the acute heart failure global survey of standard treatment (ALARM-HF). Intensive Care Med. doi:10.1007/s00134-010-2113-0 Follath F, Yilmaz MB, Delgado JF, Parissis JT, Porcher R, Gayat E, Burrows N, McLean A, Vilas-Boas F, Mebazaa A (2011) Clinical presentation, management and outcomes in the acute heart failure global survey of standard treatment (ALARM-HF). Intensive Care Med. doi:10.​1007/​s00134-010-2113-0

go back to reference CONSENSUS (1987) Effects of enalapril on mortality in severe congestive heart failure. Results of the Cooperative North Scandinavian Enalapril Survival Study (CONSENSUS). The CONSENSUS Trial Study Group. N Engl J Med 316:1429–1435. doi:10.1056/NEJM198706043162301 CONSENSUS (1987) Effects of enalapril on mortality in severe congestive heart failure. Results of the Cooperative North Scandinavian Enalapril Survival Study (CONSENSUS). The CONSENSUS Trial Study Group. N Engl J Med 316:1429–1435. doi:10.​1056/​NEJM198706043162​301

go back to reference SOLVD (1991) Effect of enalapril on survival in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fractions and congestive heart failure. The SOLVD Investigators. N Engl J Med 325:293–302. doi:10.1056/NEJM199108013250501 SOLVD (1991) Effect of enalapril on survival in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fractions and congestive heart failure. The SOLVD Investigators. N Engl J Med 325:293–302. doi:10.​1056/​NEJM199108013250​501

go back to reference Pitt B, Zannad F, Remme WJ, Cody R, Castaigne A, Perez A, Palensky J, Wittes J (1999) The effect of spironolactone on morbidity and mortality in patients with severe heart failure. Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study Investigators. N Engl J Med 341:709–717. doi:10.1056/NEJM199909023411001 PubMed Pitt B, Zannad F, Remme WJ, Cody R, Castaigne A, Perez A, Palensky J, Wittes J (1999) The effect of spironolactone on morbidity and mortality in patients with severe heart failure. Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study Investigators. N Engl J Med 341:709–717. doi:10.​1056/​NEJM199909023411​001 PubMed

go back to reference Zannad F, McMurray JJ, Krum H, van Veldhuisen DJ, Swedberg K, Shi H, Vincent J, Pocock SJ, Pitt B (2011) Eplerenone in patients with systolic heart failure and mild symptoms. N Engl J Med 364:11–21. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1009492 PubMed Zannad F, McMurray JJ, Krum H, van Veldhuisen DJ, Swedberg K, Shi H, Vincent J, Pocock SJ, Pitt B (2011) Eplerenone in patients with systolic heart failure and mild symptoms. N Engl J Med 364:11–21. doi:10.​1056/​NEJMoa1009492 PubMed

go back to reference Rivero-Ayerza M, Theuns DA, Garcia–Garcia HM, Boersma E, Simoons M, Jordaens LJ (2006) Effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy on overall mortality and mode of death: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur Heart J 27:2682–2688. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehl203 PubMed Rivero-Ayerza M, Theuns DA, Garcia–Garcia HM, Boersma E, Simoons M, Jordaens LJ (2006) Effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy on overall mortality and mode of death: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur Heart J 27:2682–2688. doi:10.​1093/​eurheartj/​ehl203 PubMed

go back to reference II CIBIS- (1999) The Cardiac Insufficiency Bisoprolol Study II (CIBIS-II): a randomised trial. Lancet 353:9–13. doi:S0140673698111819 II CIBIS- (1999) The Cardiac Insufficiency Bisoprolol Study II (CIBIS-II): a randomised trial. Lancet 353:9–13. doi:S014067369811181​9

go back to reference Lechat P, Packer M, Chalon S, Cucherat M, Arab T, Boissel JP (1998) Clinical effects of beta-adrenergic blockade in chronic heart failure: a meta-analysis of double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trials. Circulation 98:1184–1191PubMed Lechat P, Packer M, Chalon S, Cucherat M, Arab T, Boissel JP (1998) Clinical effects of beta-adrenergic blockade in chronic heart failure: a meta-analysis of double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trials. Circulation 98:1184–1191PubMed

go back to reference HF MERIT- (1999) Effect of metoprolol CR/XL in chronic heart failure: Metoprolol CR/XL Randomised Intervention Trial in congestive heart failure (MERIT-HF). Lancet 353:2001–2007. doi:S0140673699044402 HF MERIT- (1999) Effect of metoprolol CR/XL in chronic heart failure: Metoprolol CR/XL Randomised Intervention Trial in congestive heart failure (MERIT-HF). Lancet 353:2001–2007. doi:S014067369904440​2

go back to reference Packer M, Coats AJ, Fowler MB, Katus HA, Krum H, Mohacsi P, Rouleau JL, Tendera M, Castaigne A, Roecker EB, Schultz MK, DeMets DL (2001) Effect of carvedilol on survival in severe chronic heart failure. N Engl J Med 344:1651–1658. doi:10.1056/NEJM200105313442201 PubMed Packer M, Coats AJ, Fowler MB, Katus HA, Krum H, Mohacsi P, Rouleau JL, Tendera M, Castaigne A, Roecker EB, Schultz MK, DeMets DL (2001) Effect of carvedilol on survival in severe chronic heart failure. N Engl J Med 344:1651–1658. doi:10.​1056/​NEJM200105313442​201 PubMed

go back to reference Packer M, Fowler MB, Roecker EB, Coats AJ, Katus HA, Krum H, Mohacsi P, Rouleau JL, Tendera M, Staiger C, Holcslaw TL, Amann-Zalan I, DeMets DL (2002) Effect of carvedilol on the morbidity of patients with severe chronic heart failure: results of the carvedilol prospective randomized cumulative survival (COPERNICUS) study. Circulation 106:2194–2199PubMed Packer M, Fowler MB, Roecker EB, Coats AJ, Katus HA, Krum H, Mohacsi P, Rouleau JL, Tendera M, Staiger C, Holcslaw TL, Amann-Zalan I, DeMets DL (2002) Effect of carvedilol on the morbidity of patients with severe chronic heart failure: results of the carvedilol prospective randomized cumulative survival (COPERNICUS) study. Circulation 106:2194–2199PubMed

go back to reference Masip J, Roque M, Sanchez B, Fernandez R, Subirana M, Exposito JA (2005) Noninvasive ventilation in acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema: systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA 294:3124–3130. doi:10.1001/jama.294.24.3124 PubMed Masip J, Roque M, Sanchez B, Fernandez R, Subirana M, Exposito JA (2005) Noninvasive ventilation in acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema: systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA 294:3124–3130. doi:10.​1001/​jama.​294.​24.​3124 PubMed

go back to reference Triposkiadis F, Parissis JT, Starling RC, Skoularigis J, Louridas G (2009) Current drugs and medical treatment algorithms in the management of acute decompensated heart failure. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 18:695–707. doi:10.1517/13543780902922660 PubMed Triposkiadis F, Parissis JT, Starling RC, Skoularigis J, Louridas G (2009) Current drugs and medical treatment algorithms in the management of acute decompensated heart failure. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 18:695–707. doi:10.​1517/​1354378090292266​0 PubMed

go back to reference Parissis JT, Rafouli-Stergiou P, Stasinos V, Psarogiannakopoulos P, Mebazaa A (2010) Inotropes in cardiac patients: update 2011. Curr Opin Crit Care 16:432–441. doi:10.1097/MCC.0b013e32833e10fb PubMed Parissis JT, Rafouli-Stergiou P, Stasinos V, Psarogiannakopoulos P, Mebazaa A (2010) Inotropes in cardiac patients: update 2011. Curr Opin Crit Care 16:432–441. doi:10.​1097/​MCC.​0b013e32833e10fb​ PubMed

go back to reference Haynes RB, McKibbon KA, Wilczynski NL, Walter SD, Werre SR (2005) Optimal search strategies for retrieving scientifically strong studies of treatment from medline: analytical survey. BMJ 330:1179PubMed Haynes RB, McKibbon KA, Wilczynski NL, Walter SD, Werre SR (2005) Optimal search strategies for retrieving scientifically strong studies of treatment from medline: analytical survey. BMJ 330:1179PubMed

go back to reference Wong SS, Wilczynski NL, Haynes RB (2006) Developing optimal search strategies for detecting clinically sound treatment studies in EMBASE. J Med Libr Assoc 94:41–47PubMed Wong SS, Wilczynski NL, Haynes RB (2006) Developing optimal search strategies for detecting clinically sound treatment studies in EMBASE. J Med Libr Assoc 94:41–47PubMed

go back to reference Juni P, Altman DG, Egger M (2001) Systematic reviews in health care: assessing the quality of controlled clinical trials. BMJ 323:42–46PubMed Juni P, Altman DG, Egger M (2001) Systematic reviews in health care: assessing the quality of controlled clinical trials. BMJ 323:42–46PubMed

go back to reference Schulz KF, Chalmers I, Hayes RJ, Altman DG (1995) Empirical evidence of bias. Dimensions of methodological quality associated with estimates of treatment effects in controlled trials. JAMA 273:408–412 Schulz KF, Chalmers I, Hayes RJ, Altman DG (1995) Empirical evidence of bias. Dimensions of methodological quality associated with estimates of treatment effects in controlled trials. JAMA 273:408–412

go back to reference Egger M, Davey Smith G, Schneider M, Minder C (1997) Bias in meta-analysis detected by a simple, graphical test. BMJ 315:629–634PubMed Egger M, Davey Smith G, Schneider M, Minder C (1997) Bias in meta-analysis detected by a simple, graphical test. BMJ 315:629–634PubMed

go back to reference Higgins JP, Thompson SG, Deeks JJ, Altman DG (2003) Measuring inconsistency in meta-analyses. BMJ 327:557–560PubMed Higgins JP, Thompson SG, Deeks JJ, Altman DG (2003) Measuring inconsistency in meta-analyses. BMJ 327:557–560PubMed

go back to reference Villar J, Mackey ME, Carroli G, Donner A (2001) Meta-analyses in systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials in perinatal medicine: comparison of fixed and random effects models. Stat Med 20:3635–3647PubMed Villar J, Mackey ME, Carroli G, Donner A (2001) Meta-analyses in systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials in perinatal medicine: comparison of fixed and random effects models. Stat Med 20:3635–3647PubMed

go back to reference Deeks JJ (2002) Issues in the selection of a summary statistic for meta-analysis of clinical trials with binary outcomes. Stat Med 21:1575–1600PubMed Deeks JJ (2002) Issues in the selection of a summary statistic for meta-analysis of clinical trials with binary outcomes. Stat Med 21:1575–1600PubMed

go back to reference Adamopoulos S, Parissis JT, Iliodromitis EK, Paraskevaidis I, Tsiapras D, Farmakis D, Karatzas D, Gheorghiade M, Filippatos GS, Kremastinos DT (2006) Effects of levosimendan versus dobutamine on inflammatory and apoptotic pathways in acutely decompensated chronic heart failure. Am J Cardiol 98:102–106PubMed Adamopoulos S, Parissis JT, Iliodromitis EK, Paraskevaidis I, Tsiapras D, Farmakis D, Karatzas D, Gheorghiade M, Filippatos GS, Kremastinos DT (2006) Effects of levosimendan versus dobutamine on inflammatory and apoptotic pathways in acutely decompensated chronic heart failure. Am J Cardiol 98:102–106PubMed

go back to reference Adamopoulos S, Piepoli M, Qiang F, Pissimissis E, Davies M, Bernardi L, Forfar C, Sleight P, Coats A (1995) Effects of pulsed beta-stimulant therapy on beta-adrenoceptors and chronotropic responsiveness in chronic heart failure. Lancet 345:344–349PubMed Adamopoulos S, Piepoli M, Qiang F, Pissimissis E, Davies M, Bernardi L, Forfar C, Sleight P, Coats A (1995) Effects of pulsed beta-stimulant therapy on beta-adrenoceptors and chronotropic responsiveness in chronic heart failure. Lancet 345:344–349PubMed

go back to reference Bader FM, Gilbert EM, Mehta NA, Bristow MR (2010) Double-blind placebo-controlled comparison of enoximone and dobutamine infusions in patients with moderate to severe chronic heart failure. Congest Heart Fail 16:265–270. doi:10.1111/j.1751-7133.2010.00185.x PubMed Bader FM, Gilbert EM, Mehta NA, Bristow MR (2010) Double-blind placebo-controlled comparison of enoximone and dobutamine infusions in patients with moderate to severe chronic heart failure. Congest Heart Fail 16:265–270. doi:10.​1111/​j.​1751-7133.​2010.​00185.​x PubMed

go back to reference Cleland JG, Ghosh J, Freemantle N, Kaye GC, Nasir M, Clark AL, Coletta AP (2004) Clinical trials update and cumulative meta-analyses from the American College of Cardiology: WATCH, SCD-HeFT, DINAMIT, CASINO, INSPIRE, STRATUS-US, RIO-Lipids and cardiac resynchronisation therapy in heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail 6:501–508PubMed Cleland JG, Ghosh J, Freemantle N, Kaye GC, Nasir M, Clark AL, Coletta AP (2004) Clinical trials update and cumulative meta-analyses from the American College of Cardiology: WATCH, SCD-HeFT, DINAMIT, CASINO, INSPIRE, STRATUS-US, RIO-Lipids and cardiac resynchronisation therapy in heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail 6:501–508PubMed

go back to reference Dies F, Krell MJ, Whitlow P, Liang C-S, Goldenberg I, Applefield MM, Gilbert EM (1986) Intermittent dobutamine in ambulatory outpatients with chronic heart failure. Circulation 74:II–38 Dies F, Krell MJ, Whitlow P, Liang C-S, Goldenberg I, Applefield MM, Gilbert EM (1986) Intermittent dobutamine in ambulatory outpatients with chronic heart failure. Circulation 74:II–38

go back to reference Elis A, Bental T, Kimchi O, Ravid M, Lishner M (1998) Intermittent dobutamine treatment in patients with chronic refractory congestive heart failure: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Clin Pharmacol Ther 63:682–685PubMed Elis A, Bental T, Kimchi O, Ravid M, Lishner M (1998) Intermittent dobutamine treatment in patients with chronic refractory congestive heart failure: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Clin Pharmacol Ther 63:682–685PubMed

go back to reference Erlemeier HH, Kupper W, Bleifeld W (1992) Intermittent infusion of dobutamine in the therapy of severe congestive heart failure—long-term effects and lack of tolerance. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 6:391–398PubMed Erlemeier HH, Kupper W, Bleifeld W (1992) Intermittent infusion of dobutamine in the therapy of severe congestive heart failure—long-term effects and lack of tolerance. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 6:391–398PubMed

go back to reference Leier CV, Huss P, Lewis RP, Unverferth DV (1982) Drug-induced conditioning in congestive heart failure. Circulation 65:1382–1387PubMed Leier CV, Huss P, Lewis RP, Unverferth DV (1982) Drug-induced conditioning in congestive heart failure. Circulation 65:1382–1387PubMed

go back to reference Liang CS, Sherman LG, Doherty JU, Wellington K, Lee VW, Hood WB (1984) Sustained improvement of cardiac function in patients with congestive heart failure after short-term infusion of dobutamine. Circulation 69:113–119PubMed Liang CS, Sherman LG, Doherty JU, Wellington K, Lee VW, Hood WB (1984) Sustained improvement of cardiac function in patients with congestive heart failure after short-term infusion of dobutamine. Circulation 69:113–119PubMed

go back to reference Nanas JN, Tsagalou EP, Kanakakis J, Nanas SN, Terrovitis JV, Moon T, Anastasiou-Nana MI (2004) Long-term intermittent dobutamine infusion, combined with oral amiodarone for end-stage heart failure: a randomized double-blind study. Chest 125:1198–1204PubMed Nanas JN, Tsagalou EP, Kanakakis J, Nanas SN, Terrovitis JV, Moon T, Anastasiou-Nana MI (2004) Long-term intermittent dobutamine infusion, combined with oral amiodarone for end-stage heart failure: a randomized double-blind study. Chest 125:1198–1204PubMed

go back to reference Nieminen MS, Akkila J, Hasenfuss G, Kleber FX, Lehtonen LA, Mitrovic V, Nyquist O, Remme WJ (2000) Hemodynamic and neurohumoral effects of continuous infusion of levosimendan in patients with congestive heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol 36:1903–1912PubMed Nieminen MS, Akkila J, Hasenfuss G, Kleber FX, Lehtonen LA, Mitrovic V, Nyquist O, Remme WJ (2000) Hemodynamic and neurohumoral effects of continuous infusion of levosimendan in patients with congestive heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol 36:1903–1912PubMed

go back to reference Oliva F, Latini R, Politi A, Staszewsky L, Maggioni AP, Nicolis E, Mauri F (1999) Intermittent 6-month low-dose dobutamine infusion in severe heart failure: DICE multicenter trial. Am Heart J 138:247–253PubMed Oliva F, Latini R, Politi A, Staszewsky L, Maggioni AP, Nicolis E, Mauri F (1999) Intermittent 6-month low-dose dobutamine infusion in severe heart failure: DICE multicenter trial. Am Heart J 138:247–253PubMed

go back to reference Sindone AP, MacDonald PS, Keogh AM (1998) Haemodynamic, neurohumoral and symptomatic effects of dobutamine, dopamine and milrinone in severe heart failure. [abstract]. Aust N Z J Med 28:113 Sindone AP, MacDonald PS, Keogh AM (1998) Haemodynamic, neurohumoral and symptomatic effects of dobutamine, dopamine and milrinone in severe heart failure. [abstract]. Aust N Z J Med 28:113

go back to reference Wimmer A, Stanek B, Kubecova L, Vitovec J, Spinar J, Yilmaz N, Kos T, Hartter E, Frey B, Pacher R (1999) Effects of prostaglandin E1, dobutamine and placebo on hemodynamic, renal and neurohumoral variables in patients with advanced heart failure. Jpn Heart J 40:321–334PubMed Wimmer A, Stanek B, Kubecova L, Vitovec J, Spinar J, Yilmaz N, Kos T, Hartter E, Frey B, Pacher R (1999) Effects of prostaglandin E1, dobutamine and placebo on hemodynamic, renal and neurohumoral variables in patients with advanced heart failure. Jpn Heart J 40:321–334PubMed

go back to reference Grose R, Strain J, Greenberg M, LeJemtel TH (1986) Systemic and coronary effects of intravenous milrinone and dobutamine in congestive heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol 7:1107–1113PubMed Grose R, Strain J, Greenberg M, LeJemtel TH (1986) Systemic and coronary effects of intravenous milrinone and dobutamine in congestive heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol 7:1107–1113PubMed

go back to reference Petersen JW, Felker GM (2008) Inotropes in the management of acute heart failure. Crit Care Med 36:S106–S111. doi:10.1097/01.CCM.0000296273.72952.39 PubMed Petersen JW, Felker GM (2008) Inotropes in the management of acute heart failure. Crit Care Med 36:S106–S111. doi:10.​1097/​01.​CCM.​0000296273.​72952.​39 PubMed

go back to reference Echt DS, Liebson PR, Mitchell LB, Peters RW, Obias-Manno D, Barker AH, Arensberg D, Baker A, Friedman L, Greene HL et al (1991) Mortality and morbidity in patients receiving encainide, flecainide, or placebo. The Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial. N Engl J Med 324:781–788PubMed Echt DS, Liebson PR, Mitchell LB, Peters RW, Obias-Manno D, Barker AH, Arensberg D, Baker A, Friedman L, Greene HL et al (1991) Mortality and morbidity in patients receiving encainide, flecainide, or placebo. The Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial. N Engl J Med 324:781–788PubMed

go back to reference Dar O, Cowie MR (2008) Acute heart failure in the intensive care unit: epidemiology. Crit Care Med 36:S3–S8. doi:10.1097/01.CCM.0000296264.41365.80 PubMed Dar O, Cowie MR (2008) Acute heart failure in the intensive care unit: epidemiology. Crit Care Med 36:S3–S8. doi:10.​1097/​01.​CCM.​0000296264.​41365.​80 PubMed

go back to reference Lehtonen LA, Antila S, Pentikainen PJ (2004) Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous inotropic agents. Clin Pharmacokinet 43:187–203PubMed Lehtonen LA, Antila S, Pentikainen PJ (2004) Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous inotropic agents. Clin Pharmacokinet 43:187–203PubMed

go back to reference Chalmers I (1990) Underreporting research is scientific misconduct. JAMA 263:1405–1408PubMed Chalmers I (1990) Underreporting research is scientific misconduct. JAMA 263:1405–1408PubMed

go back to reference Shields PG (2000) Publication bias is a scientific problem with adverse ethical outcomes: the case for a section for null results. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 9:771–772PubMed Shields PG (2000) Publication bias is a scientific problem with adverse ethical outcomes: the case for a section for null results. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 9:771–772PubMed

go back to reference Liberati A, Altman DG, Tetzlaff J, Mulrow C, Gotzsche PC, Ioannidis JP, Clarke M, Devereaux PJ, Kleijnen J, Moher D (2009) The PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies that evaluate health care interventions: explanation and elaboration. J Clin Epidemiol 62:e1–e34. doi:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2009.06.006 PubMed Liberati A, Altman DG, Tetzlaff J, Mulrow C, Gotzsche PC, Ioannidis JP, Clarke M, Devereaux PJ, Kleijnen J, Moher D (2009) The PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies that evaluate health care interventions: explanation and elaboration. J Clin Epidemiol 62:e1–e34. doi:10.​1016/​j.​jclinepi.​2009.​06.​006 PubMed

go back to reference Abraham WT, Adams KF, Fonarow GC, Costanzo MR, Berkowitz RL, LeJemtel TH, Cheng ML, Wynne J (2005) In-hospital mortality in patients with acute decompensated heart failure requiring intravenous vasoactive medications: an analysis from the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure National Registry (ADHERE). J Am Coll Cardiol 46:57–64. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2005.03.051 PubMed Abraham WT, Adams KF, Fonarow GC, Costanzo MR, Berkowitz RL, LeJemtel TH, Cheng ML, Wynne J (2005) In-hospital mortality in patients with acute decompensated heart failure requiring intravenous vasoactive medications: an analysis from the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure National Registry (ADHERE). J Am Coll Cardiol 46:57–64. doi:10.​1016/​j.​jacc.​2005.​03.​051 PubMed

go back to reference Mebazaa A, Parissis J, Porcher R, Gayat E, Nikolaou M, Boas FV, Delgado JF, Follath F (2011) Short-term survival by treatment among patients hospitalized with acute heart failure: the global ALARM-HF registry using propensity scoring methods. Intensive Care Med 37:290–301. doi:10.1007/s00134-010-2073-4 PubMed Mebazaa A, Parissis J, Porcher R, Gayat E, Nikolaou M, Boas FV, Delgado JF, Follath F (2011) Short-term survival by treatment among patients hospitalized with acute heart failure: the global ALARM-HF registry using propensity scoring methods. Intensive Care Med 37:290–301. doi:10.​1007/​s00134-010-2073-4 PubMed

go back to reference Felker GM, Benza RL, Chandler AB, Leimberger JD, Cuffe MS, Califf RM, Gheorghiade M, O’Connor CM (2003) Heart failure etiology and response to milrinone in decompensated heart failure: results from the OPTIME-CHF study. J Am Coll Cardiol 41:997–1003PubMed Felker GM, Benza RL, Chandler AB, Leimberger JD, Cuffe MS, Califf RM, Gheorghiade M, O’Connor CM (2003) Heart failure etiology and response to milrinone in decompensated heart failure: results from the OPTIME-CHF study. J Am Coll Cardiol 41:997–1003PubMed

go back to reference Mebazaa A, Nieminen MS, Packer M, Cohen-Solal A, Kleber FX, Pocock SJ, Thakkar R, Padley RJ, Poder P, Kivikko M (2007) Levosimendan vs dobutamine for patients with acute decompensated heart failure: the SURVIVE Randomized Trial. JAMA 297:1883–1891PubMed Mebazaa A, Nieminen MS, Packer M, Cohen-Solal A, Kleber FX, Pocock SJ, Thakkar R, Padley RJ, Poder P, Kivikko M (2007) Levosimendan vs dobutamine for patients with acute decompensated heart failure: the SURVIVE Randomized Trial. JAMA 297:1883–1891PubMed

go back to reference Delaney A, Bradford C, McCaffrey J, Bagshaw SM, Lee R (2010) Levosimendan for the treatment of acute severe heart failure: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Int J Cardiol 138:281–289. doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2008.08.020 PubMed Delaney A, Bradford C, McCaffrey J, Bagshaw SM, Lee R (2010) Levosimendan for the treatment of acute severe heart failure: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Int J Cardiol 138:281–289. doi:10.​1016/​j.​ijcard.​2008.​08.​020 PubMed

go back to reference Jessup M, Abraham WT, Casey DE, Feldman AM, Francis GS, Ganiats TG, Konstam MA, Mancini DM, Rahko PS, Silver MA, Stevenson LW, Yancy CW (2009) 2009 focused update: ACCF/AHA guidelines for the diagnosis and management of heart failure in adults: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on practice guidelines: developed in collaboration with the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. Circulation 119:1977–2016. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.109.192064 PubMed Jessup M, Abraham WT, Casey DE, Feldman AM, Francis GS, Ganiats TG, Konstam MA, Mancini DM, Rahko PS, Silver MA, Stevenson LW, Yancy CW (2009) 2009 focused update: ACCF/AHA guidelines for the diagnosis and management of heart failure in adults: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on practice guidelines: developed in collaboration with the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. Circulation 119:1977–2016. doi:10.​1161/​CIRCULATIONAHA.​109.​192064 PubMed