[Use of glucagon in cardiac insufficiency]

Data derived from a study into the efficacy of glucagon in 50 patients with acute and chronic cardiac insufficiency are offered. In all of these cases there existed a grave cardiac insufficiency refractory to therapy with cardiac glycosides, mostly attended by deranged rhythm and conduction. Clinical and instrumental investigations (basic hemodynamic indices established through the dye-dilution method and integral rheography, polycardiography) proved glucagon to be a truly cardiotonic agent in dealing with patients of this category. A greater effect was achieved in cases involving acute cardiac insufficiency associated with myocardial infarction than it could be obtained in instances of a long-standing chronic decompensation. The use of glucagon is particularly indicated in cases when cardiac glycosides produce complications, or cannot be employed due to the already existent derangements of the rhythm and conduction.