title: [Levosimendan for postoperative ventricular dysfunction following heart transplantation].
abstract: The development of postoperative ventricular dysfunction immediately after heart transplantation is a serious complication that leads to low-output syndrome and which necessitates circulatory support. It is one of the most common causes of early morbidity and mortality. We present our experience with 6 heart transplant patients who were treated with intravenous levosimendan, a calcium sensitizer with inodilator properties, after regular hemodynamic therapy with sympathomimetic amines failed to result in a satisfactory hemodynamic status. Use of this drug was well tolerated and brought about hemodynamic improvements that were sufficient to enable patients to be weaned from inotropic support with amines and which led to clinical recovery, with 5 of the 6 patients being discharged from the intensive care unit.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Medicina Intensiva, Unidad de Postoperatorio Cardiaco, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, España. perezvela@yahoo.es
authors.forename: José L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Pérez Vela
authors.forename: María A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Corres Peiretti
authors.forename: Mercedes
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rubio Regidor
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hernández Tejedor
authors.forename: Emilio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Renes Carreño
authors.forename: Primitivo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Arribas López
authors.forename: Julián
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gutiérrez Rodríguez
authors.forename: Narciso
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Perales Rodríguez De Viguri
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D006835:Hydrazones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011724:Pyridazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077464:Simendan; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018754:Ventricular Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D006835:Hydrazones; D011724:Pyridazines; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D000077464:Simendan