[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.
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