Effect of levosimendan in experimental verapamil-induced myocardial depression.
BACKGROUND
Calcium antagonist overdose can cause severe deterioration of hemodynamics unresponsible to treatment with beta adrenergic inotropes. The aim of the study was to evaluate in an experimental model the effects of levosimendan during severe calcium antagonist intoxication.


METHODS
Twelve landrace-pigs were intoxicated with intravenous verapamil at escalating infusion rates. The infusion containing 2.5 mg/ml verapamil was used aiming to a reduction of cardiac output by 40% from the baseline value. Intoxicated pigs were randomized into two groups: control (saline) and levosimendan (intravenous bolus). Inotropic effect was measured as a change in a maximum of the positive slope of the left ventricular pressure (LV dP/dt). The survival and hemodynamics of the animals were followed for 120 min after the targeted reduction of cardiac output.


RESULTS
In the control group, five out of six pigs died during the experiment. In the levosimendan group, one pig died before completion of the experiment (p = 0.04). In the levosimendan group a change in LV dP/dt was positive in four out of six pigs compared to one out of six pigs in the control group (p = ns).


CONCLUSIONS
In this experimental model, the use of levosimendan was associated with improved survival.
Kurola
Jouni
J
Department of Intensive Care, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland. jouni.kurola@kuh.fi
Leppikangas
Heli
H
Magga
Jarkko
J
Lindgren
Leena
L
Kiviniemi
Vesa
V
Rutanen
Juha
J
Ruokonen
Esko
E
D000818:Animals; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000506:poisoning / Q000633:toxicity*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006835:Hydrazones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011724:Pyridazines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000077464:Simendan; D013552:Swine; D014700:Verapamil / Q000506:poisoning / Q000633:toxicity*
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D006835:Hydrazones; D011724:Pyridazines; D000077464:Simendan; D014700:Verapamil