title: Levosimendan for low cardiac output: a pediatric experience.
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.
authors: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia.
authors: Jonathan R
authors: JR
authors: Egan
authors: Andrew J B
authors: AJ
authors: Clarke
authors: Stephen
authors: S
authors: Williams
authors: Andrew D
authors: AD
authors: Cole
authors: Julian
authors: J
authors: Ayer
authors: Stephen
authors: S
authors: Jacobe
authors: Richard B
authors: RB
authors: Chard
authors: David S
authors: DS
authors: Winlaw