The effects of levosimendan on renal functions in open-heart surgery patients with a low ejection fraction

Purpose. This study investigated the effects of levosimendan on renal functions in patients with a preoperative low ejection fraction undergoing open-heart surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Materials and Methods. The study retrospectively evaluated 64 patients with a diagnosis of mitral valve insufficiency and left ventricular dysfunction undergoing open-heart surgery with CPB. Patients were divided depending on the preoperative blood creatinine level less (Group 1) or more than 1.2 mg/dL (Group 2). A bolus dose of levosimendan was administered through the aortic arch at the end of the CPB, preceding an infusion of levosimendan intravenously in all patients. Demographic data, preoperative and 48-hour postoperative echocardiographic studies were done. The blood urea and creatinine levels were collected preoperatively and on postoperative days 1, 3, and 10. The use of inotropic support, intra-aortic balloon pump, and complications were recorded. Results. The demographic data were similar between groups (p>0.05). Preoperative serum creatinine levels were higher in Group 1 in comparison to Group 2 (p=0.01, p<0.001, respectively). The aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were similar between groups (p>0.05). Preoperative serum creatinine levels were higher in Group 1 in comparison to Group 2 (p<0.001). On postoperative day 1, serum creatinine levels of Group 1 were significantly lower than Group 2 (p<0.001). On postoperative days 3 and 10, no differences were observed regarding serum creatinine levels between groups (p>0.05). Complications were similar between groups (p>0.05). Conclusions. In patients with low ejection fraction undergoing open-heart surgery, the use of levosimendan intraoperatively and 24 hours postoperatively prevents deterioration of renal functions in patients with or without preoperative disturbance in serum creatinine level.