title: The prolonged lowering effect of levosimendan on brain natriuretic peptide levels in patients with decompansated heart failure: clinical implications.
abstract: The release of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is increased in heart failure (HF). The plasma concentrations of BNP and N terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) fall after effective pharmacologic treatment of HF, which suggests that measurements of plasma BNP may be helpful in evaluating therapy. Despite the initial reports that suggested a positive effect of levosimendan on short- and long-term survival in patients with severe HF, the results of the recently presented large-scale clinical trials provided rather controversial results. Further clinical studies are needed to end the confusion regarding the effects of levosimendan on prognosis in patients with decompansated HF.
authors.forename: Turgay
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Celik
authors.forename: Atila
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Iyisoy
authors.forename: Uygar Cagdas
authors.initials: UC
authors.lastname: Yuksel
authors.forename: Ejder
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kardesoglu
mesh_terms: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004280:Dobutamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006835:Hydrazones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D011724:Pyridazines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077464:Simendan; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D006835:Hydrazones; D011724:Pyridazines; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; D000077464:Simendan; D004280:Dobutamine