Bosentan and the endothelin system in congestive heart failure

S H Ellahham1, V Charlon, Z Abassi

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Washington Hospital Center, DC 20010, USA.

Clinical Cardiology
|November 30, 2000
PubMed

Insights

The endothelin system is involved in congestive heart failure (CHF). Bosentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist, shows early hemodynamic benefits in CHF patients, but its long-term effects on disease progression and survival require further study.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The endothelin system is implicated in the pathophysiology of congestive heart failure (CHF).
  • Endothelin receptor antagonists are a new therapeutic class for cardiovascular diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the potential benefits of bosentan, an oral endothelin receptor antagonist, in treating congestive heart failure (CHF).

Main Methods:

  • Clinical evaluation of bosentan in patients with CHF.

Main Results:

  • Early clinical data indicate that bosentan provides benefits regarding hemodynamic parameters in CHF patients.

Conclusions:

  • Bosentan demonstrates initial hemodynamic improvements in congestive heart failure.
  • Further research is needed to determine if bosentan can slow disease progression or improve survival in CHF.

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