November 17, 1998Circulation302 citations
View Full PaperInfluence of the Novel Inotropic Agent Levosimendan on Isometric Tension and Calcium Cycling in Failing Human Myocardium
Structured PICO
Does levosimendan affect isometric tension and calcium cycling differently than milrinone in failing human myocardium?
P
Population
failing human myocardium
I
Intervention
Levosimendan
C
Comparator
milrinone
O
Outcome
isometric tension and calcium cyclingsurrogate
Levosimendan exerts its inotropic effects via calcium sensitization at low levels and phosphodiesterase inhibition at higher levels of stimulation in failing human myocardium.
Abstract
Levosimendan has inotropic and lusitropic actions in failing human myocardium. Comparison with the phosphodiesterase inhibitor milrinone indicates that in case of pronounced inotropic stimulation, the modes of action of the two agents may be similar (phosphodiesterase inhibition), whereas small inotropic effects of levosimendan may result predominantly from calcium sensitization.
Cite This Study
Hasenfuß et al. (Tue,) studied this question.