BANNOCKBURN, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Advanced heart failure patients who receive home infusion of inotropic therapy benefit from improved quality of life, according to Option Care research presented at the 2017 National Home Infusion Association (NHIA) Annual Conference & Exposition.
Patients with advanced heart failure are prescribed intravenous (IV) inotropic therapy to help their hearts pump more efficiently while they await a heart transplant or mechanical circulatory support (MCS) or to help them spend their remaining days in greater comfort. Studies have shown inotropic therapy provided in the hospital or healthcare facility is effective, but there’s been limited research on home infusion of the treatment.
“Our study shows home inotropic therapy improved quality of life in advanced heart failure patients1,” said Kyle Walther, PharmD, lead author of the study and Option Care pharmacy resident. “Because inotropic therapy typically is provided long-term, it’s invaluable that patients have the opportunity to receive this vital care in the comfort of their own homes, so they can continue to spend time with their families and enjoy the best quality of life.”
The study included 88 adult heart failure patients who filled out the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) before the start of inotropic infusion and three months after home infusion of the therapy.1 The MLHFQ measures the effect of heart failure on quality of life by asking patients 21 questions on issues ranging from shortness of breath to medical costs. A lower score indicates heart failure has less of an effect on the patient’s quality of life. Comparing MLHFQ results at the beginning of therapy to those after three months of therapy, researchers found that overall, there was an 8.65 percent improvement in scores among all patients, which was statistically significant. The MLHFQ scores showed home infusion of inotropic therapy was especially beneficial in reducing shortness of breath (17.13 percent improvement), hospital stays (17.65 percent improvement) and medical care cost (20.78 percent improvement).
Patients in the study received one of three types of inotropic medications: milrinone, dobutamine or dopamine. The medication was infused continuously 24 hours a day through an IV inserted in the chest or arm and stored in a small bag or fanny pack, allowing patients to be mobile. The medication was delivered to the home, and a home infusion nurse visited weekly to check the patient’s vitals, blood and infusion site and ensure the equipment was working effectively. Patients had 24/7 telephone access to pharmacists and nurses if they had questions or concerns. This high-touch care allows patients to receive help quickly, without having to wait for a response from their primary care provider or make a trip to the emergency room.
