Levosimendan, the active enantiomer of simendan, is a calcium sensitizer developed for treatment of decompensated heart failure, exerts its effects independently of the beta adrenergic receptor and seems beneficial in cases of severe, intractable heart failure. Levosimendan is usually administered as 24-h infusion, with or without a loading dose, but dosing needs adjustment in patients with severe liver or renal dysfunction. Despite several promising reports, the role of levosimendan in critical illness has not been thoroughly evaluated. Available evidence suggests that levosimendan is a safe treatment option in critically ill patients and may reduce mortality from cardiac failure. However, data from well-designed randomized controlled trials in critically ill patients are needed to validate or refute these preliminary conclusions. This literature review is an attempt to synthesize available evidence on the role and possible benefits of levosimendan in critically ill patients with severe heart failure.

Pierrakos, C., Velissaris, D., Franchi, F., Muzzi, L., Karanikolas, M., Scolletta, S. (2014). Levosimendan in critical illness: a literature review. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE RESEARCH, 6(2), 75-85 [10.14740/jocmr1702w].

Levosimendan in critical illness: a literature review

Franchi, Federico;Muzzi, Luigi;Scolletta, Sabino
2014-01-01

Abstract

Levosimendan, the active enantiomer of simendan, is a calcium sensitizer developed for treatment of decompensated heart failure, exerts its effects independently of the beta adrenergic receptor and seems beneficial in cases of severe, intractable heart failure. Levosimendan is usually administered as 24-h infusion, with or without a loading dose, but dosing needs adjustment in patients with severe liver or renal dysfunction. Despite several promising reports, the role of levosimendan in critical illness has not been thoroughly evaluated. Available evidence suggests that levosimendan is a safe treatment option in critically ill patients and may reduce mortality from cardiac failure. However, data from well-designed randomized controlled trials in critically ill patients are needed to validate or refute these preliminary conclusions. This literature review is an attempt to synthesize available evidence on the role and possible benefits of levosimendan in critically ill patients with severe heart failure.
2014
Pierrakos, C., Velissaris, D., Franchi, F., Muzzi, L., Karanikolas, M., Scolletta, S. (2014). Levosimendan in critical illness: a literature review. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE RESEARCH, 6(2), 75-85 [10.14740/jocmr1702w].
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11365/975403
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