Why the study?
What is the pharmacology, safety, and efficacy of levosimendan?
What is the pharmacology, safety, and efficacy of levosimendan?
This review summarizes the pharmacology, safety, and efficacy of levosimendan, a calcium sensitizer with inotropic and vasodilatory effects.
Offers comprehensive levosimendan overview; leaves open definitive efficacy and optimal use pending RCTs.
Several clinical studies suggest substantial limitations of currently available positive inotropic substances, including beta1adrenoceptor agonists and phosphodiesterase III inhibitors. Levosimendan, a myofilament calcium sensitizer with inotropic effects, increases myocardial performance without substantial changes in oxygen consumption and with neutral effects on heart rhythm. In addition, levosimendan has vasodilatory effects that are achieved by stimulation of adenosine triphosphate-dependent potassium channels. This review article briefly discusses the pharmacology of levosimendan and evaluates current available evidence to assess the safety and efficacy of levosimendan. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2006; 51: 51927)
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In Cheol Choi (2006) studied this question.
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