ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe the effect of levosimendan (without loading dose) on hemodynamics, inotropes/vasopressors, and mortality in acute heart failure (AHF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who received levosimendan for AHF were analyzed. Levosimendan dose, hemodynamic data, inotrope/vasopressor requirements, and fluid balance before commencement, at conclusion of, and 24 hours after levosimendan were collected. Mortality is also reported. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients were analyzed. The mean levosimendan dose (without loading) was 0.096 µg/kg per minute (±0.014), and mean duration, 26 (±7.2) hours. There was no change in heart rate (start, post, and 24 hours post) (92 [±19], 92 [±26], and 92 [±15]) or mean arterial pressure (69 [±10], 72 [±8], and 72 [±10] mm Hg, respectively). There was a significant reduction in median dobutamine from 7.27 to 0 µg/kg per minute and noradrenaline from 0.20 to 0.1 µg/kg per minute before and 24 hours after. There was a significant increase in both mean cardiac index from 2.38 ± 0.0.72 to 2.98 ± 0.0.77 L/min per square meter and in markers of perfusion: base excess from -2.77 to 0.39 mmol/L, and lactate from 2.1 to 1.4 mmol/L before and 24 hours after infusion. Survival was 53%. CONCLUSIONS: Levosimendan, without a loading dose, improved cardiac index and perfusion while allowing a reduction in inotropic/vasopressor requirements in patients with AHF.
