Safety and efficacy of nesiritide in pediatric heart failure.

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Jefferies JL, Price JF, Denfield SW, Chang AC, Dreyer WJ, McMahon CJ, Grenier MA, Clunie SK, Thomas A, Moffett BS, Wann TS, Smith EO, Towbin JA

Safety and efficacy of nesiritide in pediatric heart failure.

J Card Fail. 2007 Sep;13(7):541-8.

PubMed ID
17826644 [ View in PubMed
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that recombinant B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (nesiritide) could improve urine output and neurohormonal markers of heart failure without worsening renal function in pediatric patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed our experience involving 140 nesiritide infusions in 63 consecutive children. Serum levels of BNP and electrolytes were measured before and after therapy. Dosing was begun at 0.01 mcg.kg.min without a bolus and titrated to a maximum of 0.03 mcg.kg.min, in 0.005-mcg.kg.min increments. Blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm were monitored. In a substudy, 20 patients with decompensated cardiomyopathy-related heart failure received 72 hours of nesiritide with prospective assessment of aldosterone, norepinephrine, plasma renin, and endothelin-1 levels before and after therapy. The heart rate decreased significantly (P = .001). Urine output increased significantly on Days 1 and 3 (P < or = .001 and .004, respectively). The mean serum creatinine level decreased from 1.135 to 1.007 mg/dL (P < or = .001). In the substudy, aldosterone levels decreased from 37.5 +/- 57.1 to 20.5 +/- 41.9 ng/dL (P = .005). Plasma renin, norepinephrine, and endothelin-1 levels decreased nonsignificantly. Two infusions were discontinued because of hypotension. CONCLUSIONS: Nesiritide safely treated decompensated heart failure in children. Increased urine output reflected improving renal function. Improved neurohormonal markers were seen after 72 hours of therapy, and complications were uncommon.

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