[Levosimendan, a revolution in the world of inotropic agents?].
Levosimendan is the first available drug of a new class of agents called calcium sensitizers. It increases cardiac contractility without increasing myocardial oxygen consumption. This new molecule has no proarrhythmic effects and has anti-ischemic properties. Levosimendan is infused over a 24-hour period and its hemodynamic effects, similar or superior to those of catecholamines, persist during one week. In a selected group of advanced heart failure patients levosimendan was associated with a mortality reduction at 14 days and at 6 months in comparison with dobutamine. In spite of its cost, this new inotropic agent appears very promising and it is expected that it will be widely used.
Bonnefoy
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Service de cardiologie, HUG, 1211 Geneve. eric.bonnefoy@hcuge.ch
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D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006835:Hydrazones / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011724:Pyridazines / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077464:Simendan
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D006835:Hydrazones; D011724:Pyridazines; D000077464:Simendan