Abstract
Nesiritide is an effective therapy in decreasing symptoms and left ventricular filling pressure in patients with acute decompensated heart failure. Health Canada has recently approved this agent for the management of this patient population. The clinical trials to date using nesiritide for the management of decompensated heart failure have been summarized. The clinical experience including indications for use, contraindications, dosage and monitoring has been reviewed. The following should serve as a general guide for the clinical use of nesiritide.