Levosimendan for low cardiac output: A pediatric experience

Jonathan R. Egan, Andrew J.B. Clarke, Stephen Williams, Andrew D. Cole, Julian Ayer, Stephen Jacobe, Richard B. Chard, David S. Winlaw*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

79 Scopus citations

Abstract

This was a retrospective observational study in a pediatric intensive care unit, in which 19 patients received levosimendan. There were no adverse events attributable to levosimendan and no instances where the clinical condition worsened after administration. Arterial lactate levels decreased significantly following levosimendan administration during cardiopulmonary bypass for anticipated low cardiac output. In those with established low cardiac output, trends toward improved hemodynamics were seen, with heart rate reduction, an increase in mean blood pressure, a reduction in arterial lactate, and reduced conventional inotrope use. Levosimendan was safely used in a small number of pediatric patients with established low cardiac output state who demonstrated improved hemodynamics and tissue perfusion, with a tendency to reduced conventional inotrope usage, and this warrants its evaluation as an inotrope in the pediatric population.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)183-187
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Intensive Care Medicine
Volume21
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2006

Keywords

  • Congenital heart disease
  • Heart failure
  • Levosimendan
  • Pediatric

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Levosimendan for low cardiac output: A pediatric experience'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this