Vasopressin Receptor Antagonists (Vaptans) in Heart Failure

Abstract

Vasopressin receptor blockade is an interesting therapeutic target in patients with heart failure. To date, however, clinical trials of vasopressin antagonists have failed to demonstrate any significant benefits in term of long-term mortality or heart failure–related morbidity. Limited short-term beneficial clinical effects reported in patients with acute heart failure, volume overload and resistant hyponatraemia translate into only a limited role of vaptans in recommended management of this patient population.

Keywords

• heart failure
• hyponatraemia
• tolvaptan, vasopressin antagonists, vaptans