Efficacy and safety of intravenous levosimendan compared with dobutamine in severe low-output heart failure (the LIDO study): a randomised double-blind trial

Levosimendan: The current situation and new prospects

Levosimendan is a pyridazinone-dinitrile derivative with positive inotropic and vasodilatory effects that has beneficial effects on myocardial performance. In previous randomized studies levosimendan improved hemodynamics and clinical course, but its effect on prognosis is still unclear. This important issue has limited its use. Although primarily used in the management of acute heart failure syndromes, this new inotropic agent may play a role in other clinical conditions. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on levosimendan and to present future prospects for the use of this drug.

Levosimendan exerts anti-inflammatory effects on cardiac myocytes and endothelial cells in vitro

Levosimendan is a positive inotropic drug for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (HF). Clinical trials showed that levosimendan was particularly effective in HF due to myocardial infarction. Myocardial necrosis induces a strong inflammatory response, involving chemoattractants guiding polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) into the infarcted myocardial tissue. Our aim was to examine whether levosimendan exhibits anti-inflammatory effects on human adult cardiac myocytes (HACM) and human heart microvascular endothelial cells (HHMEC). Cardiac myocytes and endothelial cells were stimulated with interleukin-1β (IL)-1β (200 U/ml) and treated with levosimendan (0.1-10 µM) for 2-48 hours. IL-1β strongly induced expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in HACM and E-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in HHMEC and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Treatment with levosimendan strongly attenuated IL-1β-induced expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in HACM as well as E-selectin and ICAM-1 in ECs. Levosimendan treatment further reduced adhesion of PMN to activated endothelial cells under both static and flow conditions by approximately 50 %. Incubation with 5-hydroxydecanoic acid, a selective blocker of mitochondrial ATP-dependent potassium channels, partly abolished the above seen anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, levosimendan strongly diminished IL-1β-induced reactive oxygen species and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity through inhibition of S536 phosphorylation. In conclusion, levosimendan exhibits anti-inflammatory effects on cardiac myocytes and endothelial cells in vitro. These findings could explain, at least in part, the beneficial effects of levosimendan after myocardial infarction.

Safety and feasibility of levosimendan administration in takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a case series

BACKGROUND

Levosimendan is a noncatecholamine inotrope that does not increase oxygen consumption, utilized for the treatment for acute heart failure with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. Its use in takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC), a disease that contraindicates the use of catecholamine inotropes, is not well known.

METHODS

We prospectively analyzed 13 consecutive patients with TTC, low ejection fraction (EF) (<35%), and additional Mayo Clinic risk factors who were treated with i.v. infusion of levosimendan. Clinical course of patients, electrocardiogram presentation, LV function, and adverse events at follow-up were recorded.

RESULTS

All patients showed an impaired LV function (LVEF at admission 28 ± 5%), which significantly improved at discharge (51 ± 8%, P < 0.001). Mean hospital stay was 10 ± 4 days. Troponin levels at admission were directly related to length of hospitalization (r = 0.6, P < 0.001). Male gender (relative risk (RR) 1.85, P < 0.05), physical stress (RR 1.90, P < 0.05), ST elevation at ECG (RR 1.87, P < 0.05), and absence of chest pain (RR 2.23, P < 0.01) were found to be the predictors of longer hospital stay. Only 15% of subjects had adverse events during hospital stay; two patients incurred noncardiovascular death at follow-up. Age was the only predictor of adverse event at follow-up (RR 2.13, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of levosimendan may be safe and feasible in patients with TTC. Randomized studies are warranted to further confirm these preliminary results.

Rationale and design of a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled multicenter trial to study efficacy, security, and long term effects of intermittent repeated levosimendan administration in patients with advanced heart failure: LAICA study

BACKGROUND

Advanced heart failure (HF) is associated with high morbidity and mortality; it represents a major burden for the health system. Episodes of acute decompensation requiring frequent and prolonged hospitalizations account for most HF-related expenditure. Inotropic drugs are frequently used during hospitalization, but rarely in out-patients. The LAICA clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of monthly levosimendan infusion in patients with advanced HF to reduce the incidence of hospital admissions for acute HF decompensation.

METHODS

The LAICA study is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial. It aims to recruit 213 out-patients, randomized to receive either a 24-h infusion of levosimendan at 0.1 μg/kg/min dose, without a loading dose, every 30 days, or placebo.

RESULTS

The main objective is to assess the incidence of admission for acute HF worsening during 12 months. Secondarily, the trial will assess the effect of intermittent levosimendan on other variables, including the time in days from randomization to first admission for acute HF worsening, mortality and serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

The LAICA trial results could allow confirmation of the usefulness of intermittent levosimendan infusion in reducing the rate of hospitalization for HF worsening in advanced HF outpatients.

Efficacy and safety of the pulsed infusions of levosimendan in outpatients with advanced heart failure (LevoRep) study: a multicentre randomized trial

AIMS

The aim of this study was to determine whether intermittent ambulatory treatment with levosimendan would improve functional capacity, quality of life, and event-free survival in patients with advanced heart failure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre, parallel-group trial of pulsed infusions of levosimendan in 120 outpatients with advanced heart failure (EF ≤35%, NYHA class III or IV). The study was conducted at 11 centres in Austria, Greece, and Germany. Levosimendan (0.2 µg/kg/min) or placebo was administered for 6 h at 2-week intervals over 6 weeks, in addition to standard care therapy. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with a ≥20% improvement in the 6 min walk test and a ≥15% score increase on the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire at the end of the 24-week study period. Secondary outcomes included event-free survival after 24 weeks. Analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. The primary endpoint was reached in 19% of patients receiving levosimendan and 15.8% of patients receiving placebo (odds ratio 1.25; 95% confidence interval 0.44-3.59; P = 0.810). Cardiac death (four vs. one), heart transplants (two vs. one), and acute heart failure (14 vs. nine) were more frequent with placebo as compared with levosimendan. The incidence of side effects was comparable between groups.

CONCLUSION

Intermittent ambulatory treatment with levosimendan in patients with advanced heart failure did not improve significantly functional capacity or quality of life as compared with placebo. An adequately powered, event-driven trial is warranted to enlarge on our findings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01065194.

Inotrope use and outcomes among patients hospitalized for heart failure: impact of systolic blood pressure, cardiac index, and etiology

BACKGROUND

Inotropes are widely used in hospitalized systolic heart failure (HF) patients, especially those with low systolic blood pressure (SBP) or cardiac index. In addition, inotropes are considered to be harmful in nonischemic HF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We examined the association of in-hospital inotrope use with (1) major events (death, ventricular assist device, or heart transplant) and (2) study days alive and out of hospital during the first 6 months in the Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Effectiveness, which excluded patients with immediate need for inotropic therapy. Predefined subgroups of interest were baseline SBP <100 versus ≥ 100 mm Hg, cardiac index <1.8 vs ≥ 1.8 L min(-1) m(-2), and ischemic versus nonischemic HF etiology. Inotropes were frequently used in both the <100 mm Hg (88/165 [53.3%]) and the ≥ 100 mm Hg (106/262 [40.5%]) SBP subgroups and were associated with higher risk for major events in both subgroups (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.59-5.12 [P < .001]; and HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.02-3.37 [P = .042]; respectively). Risk with inotropes was more pronounced among those with cardiac index ≥ 1.8 L min(-1) m(-2) (n = 114; HR 4.65, 95% CI 1.98-10.9; P < .001) vs <1.8 L min(-1) m(-2) (n = 82; HR 1.48, 95% CI 0.61-3.58; P = .39). Event rates were higher with inotropes in both ischemic (n = 215; HR 2.64, 95% CI 1.49-4.68; P = .001) and nonischemic (n = 216; HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.18-4.07; P = .012) patients. Across all subgroups, patients who received inotropes spent fewer study days alive and out of hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

In the absence of cardiogenic shock or end-organ hypoperfusion, inotrope use during hospitalization for HF was associated with unfavorable 6-month outcomes, regardless of admission SBP, cardiac index, or HF etiology.

Planned repetitive use of levosimendan for heart failure in cardiology and internal medicine in Sweden

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Levosimendan is used in acute heart failure (HF) and increasingly as planned repetitive infusions in stable chronic HF, but the extent of this practice is unknown. The aim was to assess the use of levosimendan vs. conventional inotropes and the use as planned repetitive vs. acute treatment, in Sweden.

METHODS

We performed a descriptive study with individual patient validation assessing the use of levosimendan and conventional intravenous inotropes, indications for levosimendan, clinical characteristics and survival in the Swedish Heart Failure Registry between 2000 and 2011. For repetitive levosimendan, we assessed potential indications for alternative interventions.

RESULTS

Of 53,548 total registrations, there were 655 confirmed with inotrope use (597 levosimendan, 37 conventional, 21 both) from 22 hospitals responding to validation, and 6069 in-patient controls with New York Heart Association III-IV and ejection fraction <40%. The indications for levosimendan were acute HF in 384 registrations (306 patients), and planned repetitive in 234 registrations (87 patients). Planned repetitive as a proportion of total levosimendan registrations ranged 0-65% and of total levosimendan patients ranged 0-54% in different hospitals. Of planned repetitive patients without existing cardiac resynchronization therapy, implantable cardioverter defibrillator, transplant and/or assist device, 46-98% were potential candidates for such interventions.

CONCLUSION

In HF in cardiology and internal medicine in Sweden, levosimendan was the overwhelming inotrope of choice, and the use of planned repetitive levosimendan was extensive, highly variable between hospitals and may have pre-empted other interventions. Potential effects of and indications for planned repetitive levosimendan need to be evaluated in prospective studies.

Efficacy of intravenous levosimendan in patients with heart failure complicated by acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of a short-term intravenous infusion of levosimendan in patients with heart failure due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

METHODS

This was a randomized, single-center, single-blind study that included 160 patients. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: 1 received levosimendan (n = 80) and the other received placebo (n = 80). The study included multiple primary end points (death, myocardial ischemia or worsening heart at the 6 month follow-up) and used a composite outcome.

RESULTS

The primary end point rate in the levosimendan group was lower than that in placebo group (43.7 vs. 62.5%, HR 0.636, 95% CI 0.413-0.981, p = 0.041). Moreover, the mortality rate at 6 months was similar between the 2 groups (17.5 vs. 22.5%, HR 0.786, 95% CI 0.382-1.543, p = 0.458). There was a higher incidence of myocardial ischemia in the levosimendan group at 14 days than in the placebo group (11.2 vs. 7.5%, HR 1.510, p = 0.435), but between 15 and 180 days, it was significantly lower in the levosimendan group than in the placebo group (3.8 vs. 13.8%, HR 0.261, p = 0.036).

CONCLUSION

Short-term intravenous infusion of levosimendan appears to be more effective than placebo for treating patients with heart failure complicated by AMI.

Levosimendan improves contractility in vivo and in vitro in a rodent model of post-myocardial infarction heart failure

AIM

As few studies have presented a thorough analysis of the effect of levosimendan (LEV) on contractility, our purpose was to investigate in vivo cardiac function as well as in vitro cardiomyocyte function and calcium (Ca(2+) ) handling following LEV treatment.

METHODS

Rats with post-myocardial infarction heart failure (HF) induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery and sham-operated animals were randomized to the infusion of LEV (2.4 μg kg(-1) min(-1) ) or vehicle for 40 min. Echocardiographic examination was coupled to pressure-volume sampling in the left ventricle before (B) and after (40 min) infusion. Isolated left ventricular cardiomyocytes were studied in an epifluorescence microscope.

RESULTS

HF LEV (n = 6), HF vehicle (n = 7), sham LEV (n = 5) and sham vehicle (n = 6) animals were included. LEV infusion compared to vehicle in HF animals reduced left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and mean arterial pressure (both P < 0.001) and improved the slope of the preload-recruitable stroke work (P < 0.05). Administrating LEV to HF cardiomyocytes in vitro improved fractional shortening and Ca(2+) sensitivity index ratio, and increased the diastolic Ca(2+) (all P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

In HF animals, LEV improved the contractility by increasing the Ca(2+) sensitivity. Furthermore loading conditions were changed, and LEV could consequently change organ perfusion. An observed increase in diastolic Ca(2+) following LEV treatment and clinical implications of this should be further addressed.

Monitoring the treatment of myocardial stunning syndrome after acute carbon monoxide poisoning using arterial pulse wave analysis: a case report

Myocardial injury due to acute carbon monoxide intoxication is often refractory to standard resuscitation methods. Levosimendan is a new inotropic agent that is used in the treatment of acute and chronic heart failure. We report a case of severe cardiopulmonary compromise after exposure to carbon monoxide in a 40-year-old woman who was monitored using transthoracic echocardiography and the arterial pulse contour analysis system (FloTrac) and successfully treated with levosimendan.

Comparison of single-dose and repeated levosimendan infusion in patients with acute exacerbation of advanced heart failure

BACKGROUND

Levosimendan (LS) is a novel inodilator that improves cardiac performance, central hemodynamics, and symptoms of patients with decompensated chronic heart failure. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of single and repeated LS infusion on left ventricular performance, biomarkers, and neurohormonal activation in patients with acute heart failure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-nine consecutive patients with acute exacerbation of advanced heart failure were included in this study. LS was initiated as a bolus of 6 μg/kg followed by a continuous infusion of 0.1 μg/kg/min for 24 hours in both groups who received intravenous single and repeated (baseline and at 1 and 3 months) treatment. Physical examination, echocardiography, and biochemical tests (brain natriuretic peptide, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, 2, and 6) were performed before treatment and on 3 day of the treatment. The last evaluation was performed at 6 month after the baseline treatment.

RESULTS

Twenty male and 9 female patients with mean age of 60.2 ± 7.4 years were included in this study. A significant improvement in New York Heart Association functional status and myocardial performance index was detected only in the repeated LS treated patients at 6 month compared to the pretreatment status (p=0.03 and p<0.001; respectively). In addition, a significant decrease in brain natriuretic peptide (p<0.01) and plasma interleukin-6 (p=0.05) levels were also achieved only in patients who were given repeated LS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that repeated LS treatment is more effective compared to the single dose LS treatment in improving clinical status, hemodynamic and laboratory parameters in patients with acute exacerbation of advanced heart failure.

Inotropes

Inotropes have been fundamental to resuscitation of acute cardiogenic shock for decades. Heart failure and cardiogenic shock, in severe cases, are syndromes characterized in many patients by a reduction in myocardial contractile force. While inotropes successfully increase cardiac output, their use has been plagued by excessive mortality due to increased tachycardia and myocardial oxygen consumption leading to arrhythmia and myocardial ischemia. There is a pressing need for new inotropic agents that avoid these harmful effects. This review describes the mechanism of action and the clinical utility of some of the older inotropic agents, which are still commonly used, and provides an update for physicians on the development of newer inotropic drugs. The field is rapidly changing, and it is likely that new agents will be designed that improve systolic performance without necessarily increasing the myocardial oxygen consumption.

Levosimendan in critical illness: a literature review

Levosimendan, the active enantiomer of simendan, is a calcium sensitizer developed for treatment of decompensated heart failure, exerts its effects independently of the beta adrenergic receptor and seems beneficial in cases of severe, intractable heart failure. Levosimendan is usually administered as 24-h infusion, with or without a loading dose, but dosing needs adjustment in patients with severe liver or renal dysfunction. Despite several promising reports, the role of levosimendan in critical illness has not been thoroughly evaluated. Available evidence suggests that levosimendan is a safe treatment option in critically ill patients and may reduce mortality from cardiac failure. However, data from well-designed randomized controlled trials in critically ill patients are needed to validate or refute these preliminary conclusions. This literature review is an attempt to synthesize available evidence on the role and possible benefits of levosimendan in critically ill patients with severe heart failure.

Decompensated heart failure

Heart failure is a disease with high incidence and prevalence in the population. The costs with hospitalization for decompensated heart failure reach approximately 60% of the total cost with heart failure treatment, and mortality during hospitalization varies according to the studied population, and could achieve values of 10%. In patients with decompensated heart failure, history and physical examination are of great value for the diagnosis of the syndrome, and also can help the physician to identify the beginning of symptoms, and give information about etiology, causes and prognosis of the disease. The initial objective of decompensated heart failure treatment is the hemodynamic and symptomatic improvement preservation and/or improvement of renal function, prevention of myocardial damage, modulation of the neurohormonal and/or inflammatory activation and control of comorbidities that can cause or contribute to progression of the syndrome. According to the clinical-hemodynamic profile, it is possible to establish a rational for the treatment of decompensated heart failure, individualizing the proceedings to be held, leading to reduction in the period of hospitalization and consequently reducing overall mortality.

Levosimendan versus dobutamine in critically ill patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of levosimendan versus dobutamine in critically ill patients requiring inotropic support.

METHODS

Clinical trials were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Registry of Clinical Trials, as well as Web of Science. Studies were included if they compared levosimendan with dobutamine in critically ill patients requiring inotropic support, and provided at least one outcome of interest. Outcomes of interest included mortality, incidence of hypotension, supraventricular arrhythmias, and ventricular arrhythmias.

RESULTS

Data from a total of 3052 patients from 22 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the analysis. Overall analysis showed that the use of levosimendan was associated with a significant reduction in mortality (269 of 1373 [19.6%] in the levosimendan group, versus 328 of 1278 [25.7%] in the dobutamine group, risk ratio (RR)=0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70-0.92, P for effect=0.002). Subgroup analysis indicated that the benefit from levosimendan could be found in the subpopulations of cardiac surgery, ischemic heart failure, and concomitant β-blocker therapy in comparison with dobutamine. There was no significant difference in the incidence of hypotension, supraventricular arrhythmias, or ventricular arrhythmias between the two drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast with dobutamine, levosimendan is associated with a significant improvement in mortality in critically ill patients requiring inotropic support. Patients having cardiac surgery, with ischemic heart failure, and receiving concomitant β-blocker therapy may benefit from levosimendan. More RCTs are required to address the questions about no positive outcomes in the subpopulation in a cardiology setting, and to confirm the advantages in long-term prognosis.

Inotropic agents and vasodilator strategies for acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock or low cardiac output syndrome

BACKGROUND

The recently published German-Austrian S3 Guideline for the treatment of infarct related cardiogenic shock (CS) revealed a lack of evidence for all recommended therapeutic measures.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects in terms of efficacy, efficiency and safety of cardiac care with inotropic agents and vasodilator strategies versus placebo or against each other for haemodynamic stabilisation following surgical treatment, interventional therapy (angioplasty, stent implantation) and conservative treatment (that is no revascularization) on mortality and morbidity in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by CS or low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS).

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid) and ISI Web of Science, registers of ongoing trials and proceedings of conferences in January 2013. Reference lists were scanned and experts in the field were contacted to obtain further information. No language restrictions were applied.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials in patients with AMI complicated by CS or LCOS.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data collection and analysis were performed according to the published protocol. All trials were analysed individually. Hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were extracted but not pooled because of high heterogeneity between the control group interventions.

MAIN RESULTS

Four eligible, very small studies were identified from a total of 4065 references. Three trials with high overall risk of bias compared levosimendan to standard treatment (enoximone or dobutamine) or placebo. Data from a total of 63 participants were included in our comparisons, 31 were treated with levosimendan and 32 served as controls. Levosimendan showed an imprecise survival benefit in comparison with enoximone based on a very small trial with 32 participants (HR 0.33; 95% CI 0.11 to 0.97). Results from the other similarly small trials were too imprecise to provide any meaningful information about the effect of levosimendan in comparison with dobutamine or placebo. Only small differences in haemodynamics, length of hospital stay and the frequency of major adverse cardiac events or adverse events overall were found between study groups.Only one small randomised controlled trial with three participants was found for vasodilator strategies (nitric oxide gas versus placebo) in AMI complicated by CS or LCOS. This study was too small to draw any conclusions on the effects on our key outcomes.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

At present there are no robust and convincing data to support a distinct inotropic or vasodilator drug based therapy as a superior solution to reduce mortality in haemodynamically unstable patients with CS or low cardiac output complicating AMI.

Intermittent levosimendan improves mid-term survival in chronic heart failure patients: meta-analysis of randomised trials

AIMS

Standard inotropic treatment is often necessary in end-stage heart failure but may be harmful. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to investigate the effect of repeated administration of levosimendan on survival in patients with chronic heart failure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Four investigators independently searched in CENTRAL, Google Scholar MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus and the Cochrane Central Register of clinical trials to identify any randomized study ever performed with intermittent levosimendan intravenous administration in adult patients with chronic heart failure with no restrictions on dose or time of administration. Data from a total of 326 patients from six randomized controlled studies using intermittent levosimendan in a cardiological setting were included in the analysis. Levosimendan was associated with a significant reduction in mortality at the longest follow-up available [32 of 168 (19 %) in the levosimendan group 46 of 133 (35 %) in the control arm, RR = 0.55 (95 % CI 0.37-0.84), p for effect = 0 0.005, p for heterogeneity = 0.3, I (2) = 23.4 %, NNT = 6 with 5 studies included]. Brain natriuretic peptide values, ejection fraction and number of patients with New York Heart Association ≥ III status were similar in survivors of both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A large randomized trial is necessary to confirm the promising beneficial effects of intermittent levosimendan administration on the mid-term survival of patients with chronic heart failure.

Acute decompensated heart failure: diagnosis and management

Chronic heart failure is common in the UK, with a prevalence estimated at 3% of people aged between 65 and 74 years. This prevalence increases with age and affects approximately 15% of the older population (British Heart Foundation, 2011). A significant number of such people are diagnosed after presenting to their local emergency department with severe breathlessness. Advances in patient management have improved outcomes, but the prognosis remains poor. A recent epidemiological study of patients with heart failure in north west London reported that around 14% of patients die within 6 months of diagnosis (Mehta et al, 2009). The UK national audit data of 2011-2012 reported that approximately 11% of patients admitted to hospital with acute heart failure die during their in-hospital stay. For those discharged, there is a greater-than-25% risk of death within 12 months. This risk of in-hospital and 12-month mortality varies widely, but appears to largely relate to the inpatient management and organisation of follow-up (National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research, 2012).

Levosimendan improves renal function in acute decompensated heart failure: possible underlying mechanisms

AIMS

The cardio-renal syndrome plays a critical role in acute heart failure (HF). Levosimendan, an inodilator drug, has a positive but controversial effect on kidney. Our aim was to evaluate its effects on both renal and systemic haemodynamic parameters as well as on renal function, explaining the possible mechanisms involved.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients with acute decompensated HF, moderate renal impairment, wedge pressure >20 mmHg and EF <40% were eligible. Twenty-one patients were randomized to infusion of levosimendan or placebo, on top of standard therapy. Systemic haemodynamic parameters (wedge and cardiac output) were evaluated at baseline and at 8, 16, 24, 48, and 72 h. An intravascular renal artery Doppler exam was performed at baseline, after levosimendan bolus, and 1 h thereafter. Renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), cystatin C, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urinary output, sodium excretion, and plasma sodium were measured. The effect of levosimendan was beneficial and significantly different from placebo on several renal and cardiac parameters. Specifically, the levosimendan and placebo group exhibited significantly different changes over time in GFR (P = 0.037), renal blood flow (P = 0.037), and renal artery diameter (P = 0.033), with ensuing improvements in serum levels of BUN (P = 0.014), creatinine (P = 0.042), and cystatin C (P = 0.05). Concomitantly, levosimendan provided a significant increase in urine output up to 72 h (P = 0.02). These beneficial results on renal parameters were accompanied by similarly significant and favourable changes in cardiac index (P = 0.029) and PCWP (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Levosimendan, in acute decompensated HF, has an immediate renoprotective effect, mediated by an increase in renal blood flow, due to a selective renal arterial and venous vasodilating action.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT00527059.

The effect of levosimendan in rat mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Intestinal ischemia reperfusion (IR) is associated with morbidity and mortality. We first examined the role of levosimendan in the protection of intestine after mesenteric IR.

METHODS

The rats were divided into six groups: (1) Control group; (2) Levosimendan group; (3) Ischemia group (60 min of occlusion); (4) IR group (60 min of occlusion and then 60 min reperfusion); (5) IR + 1 mg/kg levosimendan group: Levosimendan was given intraperitonally 30 min prior to the ischemia; (6) IR + 2 mg/kg levosimendan group.

RESULTS

The levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were found to have increased in the IR group. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were found to have decreased as a result of the administration of both doses of levosimendan in the IR. Relative TNF-α and NFκB mRNA levels was decreased by administration of both doses of levosimendan in the IR. SOD activity and GSH levels for IR group were lower than, and 8-ISO levels were higher than, those of the sham-operated rat and ischemia alone group.

CONCLUSIONS

Both doses of levosimendan had preventive effects on the alterations that occurred in the intestinal tissues after IR. Levosimendan administration attenuated in reperfusion injury of intestine and consequently protects intestinal mucosa and oxidant-antioxidant balance of ileum.

Renal effects of levosimendan: a consensus report

Renal dysfunction is common in clinical settings in which cardiac function is compromised such as heart failure, cardiac surgery or sepsis, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Levosimendan is a calcium sensitizer and potassium channel opener used in the treatment of acute heart failure. This review describes the effects of the inodilator levosimendan on renal function. A panel of 25 scientists and clinicians from 15 European countries (Austria, Finland, France, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine) convened and reached a consensus on the current interpretation of the renal effects of levosimendan described both in non-clinical research and in clinical study reports. Most reports on the effect of levosimendan indicate an improvement of renal function in heart failure, sepsis and cardiac surgery settings. However, caution should be applied as study designs differed from randomized, controlled studies to uncontrolled ones. Importantly, in the largest HF study (REVIVE I and II) no significant changes in the renal function were detected. As it regards the mechanism of action, the opening of mitochondrial KATP channels by levosimendan is involved through a preconditioning effect. There is a strong rationale for randomized controlled trials seeking beneficial renal effects of levosimendan. As an example, a study is shortly to commence to assess the role of levosimendan for the prevention of acute organ dysfunction in sepsis (LeoPARDS).

Effects of levosimendan on glomerular filtration rate, renal blood flow, and renal oxygenation after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass: a randomized placebo-controlled study

OBJECTIVES

Acute kidney injury develops in a large proportion of patients after cardiac surgery because of the low cardiac output syndrome. The inodilator levosimendan increases cardiac output after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, but a detailed analysis of its effects on renal perfusion, glomerular filtration, and renal oxygenation in this group of patients is lacking. We therefore evaluated the effects of levosimendan on renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, renal oxygen consumption, and renal oxygen demand/supply relationship, i.e., renal oxygen extraction, early after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

DESIGN

Prospective, placebo-controlled, and randomized trial.

SETTING

Cardiothoracic ICU of a tertiary center.

PATIENTS

Postcardiac surgery patients (n=30).

INTERVENTIONS

The patients were randomized to receive levosimendan, 0.1 µg/kg/min after a loading dose of 12 µg/kg (n=15), or placebo (n=15).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The experimental procedure started 4-6 hours after surgery in the ICU during propofol sedation and mechanical ventilation. Systemic hemodynamic were evaluated by a pulmonary artery thermodilution catheter. Renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate were measured by the renal vein retrograde thermodilution technique and by renal extraction of Cr-EDTA, respectively. Central venous pressure was kept constant by colloid/crystalloid infusion. Compared to placebo, levosimendan increased cardiac index (22%), stroke volume index (15%), and heart rate (7%) and decreased systemic vascular resistance index (21%), whereas mean arterial pressure was not affected. Levosimendan induced significant increases in renal blood flow (12%, p<0.05) and glomerular filtration rate (21%, p<0.05), decreased renal vascular resistance (18%, p<0.05) but caused no significant changes in filtration fraction, renal oxygen consumption, or renal oxygen extraction, compared to placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

After cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, levosimendan induces a vasodilation, preferentially of preglomerular resistance vessels, increasing both renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate without jeopardizing renal oxygenation. Due to its pharmacodynamic profile, levosimendan might be an interesting alternative for treatment of postoperative heart failure complicated by acute kidney injury in postcardiac surgery patients.

Utility of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio for predicting in-hospital mortality after levosimendan infusion in patients with acute decompensated heart failure

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a levosimendan infusion on hematological variables in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). The predictive value of these variables for in-hospital mortality was also evaluated.

METHODS

A total of 553 patients (368 males; mean age, 63.4 ± 14.9 years) with acute exacerbations of advanced heart failure (ejection fraction ≤ 35%) and treated with either dobutamine or levosimendan were included in this retrospective analysis. The patients that received levosimendan therapy were divided into two groups according to in-hospital mortality: group 1 (21%) included patients who died during hospitalization (n=45), while group 2 (79%) included patients with a favorable outcome (n=174) after levosimendan infusion. Changes in several hematological variables between admission and the third day after levosimendan infusion were evaluated.

RESULTS

The demographic characteristics and risk factors of the two groups were similar. A comparison of changes in laboratory variables after the infusion of levosimendan revealed significant improvement only in those patients who had not died (group 2) during hospitalization. The neutrophil to lymphocyte (N/L) ratio after levosimendan infusion was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio: 1.310, 95% CI: 1.158-1.483, p<0.001). In a receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, a value of 5.542 for the N/L ratio after levosimendan administration was identified as an effective cut-off point for predicting in-hospital mortality (area under the curve=0.737; 95% confidence interval=1100-1301; p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Levosimendan treatment was associated with significant changes in hematological variables in patients with ADHF. A sustained higher N/L ratio after levosimendan infusion is associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with ADHF.

Pharmacological treatment of acute heart failure: current treatment and new targets

Acute heart failure (AHF) is defined as the rapid onset of, or changes in, the symptoms and signs of heart failure (HF). It is a life-threatening situation in which diagnosis and initiation of therapy are crucial. The treatment aims are to stabilize the patient, improve clinical symptoms, and increase long-term survival rates. Few treatments have been investigated in clinical trials. This review summarizes the principles of pharmacologic treatment, the underlying clinical trials, and new pharmacologic targets.

Zebrafish heart failure models for the evaluation of chemical probes and drugs

Heart failure is a complex disease that involves genetic, environmental, and physiological factors. As a result, current medication and treatment for heart failure produces limited efficacy, and better medication is in demand. Although mammalian models exist, simple and low-cost models will be more beneficial for drug discovery and mechanistic studies of heart failure. We previously reported that aristolochic acid (AA) caused cardiac defects in zebrafish embryos that resemble heart failure. Here, we showed that cardiac troponin T and atrial natriuretic peptide were expressed at significantly higher levels in AA-treated embryos, presumably due to cardiac hypertrophy. In addition, several human heart failure drugs could moderately attenuate the AA-induced heart failure by 10%-40%, further verifying the model for drug discovery. We then developed a drug screening assay using the AA-treated zebrafish embryos and identified three compounds. Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor (MEK-I), an inhibitor for the MEK-1/2 known to be involved in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, showed nearly 60% heart failure attenuation. C25, a chalcone derivative, and A11, a phenolic compound, showed around 80% and 90% attenuation, respectively. Time course experiments revealed that, to obtain 50% efficacy, these compounds were required within different hours of AA treatment. Furthermore, quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that C25, not MEK-I or A11, strongly suppressed inflammation. Finally, C25 and MEK-I, but not A11, could also rescue the doxorubicin-induced heart failure in zebrafish embryos. In summary, we have established two tractable heart failure models for drug discovery and three potential drugs have been identified that seem to attenuate heart failure by different mechanisms.

Preconditioning with levosimendan before implantation of left ventricular assist devices

In this retrospective study, we investigated the impact of preconditioning of the right ventricle with the calcium sensitizer levosimendan immediately before left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation on outcome and survival. Nine consecutive LVAD patients (seven suffering from dilative cardiomyopathy and two from ischemic cardiomyopathy) with echocardiographic and invasive evidence of right heart insufficiency received levosimendan with 0.1 μg/kg body weight/min for 24 h before implantation of the assist device (seven HeartWare and two Jarvik 2000). Administration of levosimendan was safe and had not to be discontinued in any patient. We observed no relevant side effects. Twelve-month survival after implantation of the LVAD was 89% representing a superior outcome compared with the fifth INTERMACS registry data with 75% survival. Two temporary extracorporeal membrane-oxygenation implantations were necessary due to intraoperative right ventricular dysfunction. Only one patient died 5 weeks after LVAD implantation of multiorgan failure, five patients were successfully transplanted, and three patients underwent LVAD implantation for destination therapy. Levosimendan might improve clinical outcome and survival when used as pretreatment in patients with right heart insufficiency prior to LVAD implantation. However, we recommend a larger controlled trial in the future to confirm our preliminary results.

Use of levosimendan in critically ill patients with severe aortic stenosis and left ventricular dysfunction

Congestive heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction in the setting of severe aortic stenosis are associated with a high mortality rate. Evidence on optimal medical therapy is scanty. Vasodilators were traditionally considered to be contraindicated in severe aortic stenosis, albeit this concept has recently been challenged. The use of levosimendan, which has positive inotropic, vasodilatory and cardioprotective properties seems attractive. We describe a small series of exceedingly ill patients with severe aortic stenosis and left ventricular dysfunction, in different clinical settings (acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock and difficult-to-wean ventilatory support), in which levosimendan was successfully used.

Current management and future directions for the treatment of patients hospitalized for heart failure with low blood pressure

Although patients hospitalized with heart failure have relatively low in-hospital mortality, the post-discharge rehospitalization and mortality rates remain high despite advances in treatment. Most patients admitted for heart failure have normal or high blood pressure, but 15-25 % have low systolic blood pressure with or without signs and/or symptoms of hypoperfusion. All pharmacological agents known to improve the prognosis of patients with heart failure also reduce blood pressure, and this limits their use in patients with heart failure and low blood pressure (HF-LBP). However, patients with HF-LBP have much higher in-hospital and post-discharge mortality. In these patients, a conceptually important therapeutic target is to improve cardiac output in order to alleviate signs of hypoperfusion. Accordingly, the majority of these patients will require an inotrope as cardiac dysfunction is the cause of their low cardiac output. However, the short-term use of currently available inotropes has been associated with further decreases in blood pressure and increases in heart rate, myocardial oxygen consumption and arrhythmias. Agents that improve cardiac contractility without this undesirable effects should be developed. To the best of our knowledge, the epidemiology, pathophysiology and therapy of patients with HF-LBP have not been addressed thoroughly. In June 2010, a workshop that included scientists and clinicians was held in Rome, Italy. The objectives of this meeting were to (1) develop a working definition for HF-LBP, (2) describe its clinical characteristics and pathophysiology, (3) review current therapies and their limitations, (4) discuss novel agents in development and (5) create a framework for the design and conduct of future clinical trials.

Positive inotropic agents in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury: a benefit/risk analysis

Positive inotropic agents should be used judiciously when managing surgical patients with acute myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury, as use of these inotropes is not without potential adverse effects.

[Severe aortic stenosis and cardiogenic shock: a therapeutic challenge]

Acute heart failure in patients with severe aortic stenosis and left ventricular systolic dysfunction is well known for its dire prognosis and limited therapeutic options. The authors describe the case of a man admitted for non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Diagnostic exams revealed severe aortic stenosis, with good left ventricular systolic function, and two-vessel coronary artery disease. The development of cardiogenic shock with left ventricular systolic dysfunction on day four led to changes in the therapeutic strategy. Percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty coupled with complete myocardial revascularization was performed with a view to future surgical intervention. After discharge, the patient was readmitted with acute pulmonary edema, cardiogenic shock and cardiopulmonary arrest. Ventilator weaning was not possible due to acute heart failure and so it was decided to administer levosimendan, which resulted in substantial clinical and echocardiographic improvement. The patient subsequently underwent successful aortic valve replacement. This case highlights the challenge that characterizes the management of patients with concomitant coronary artery disease, left ventricular systolic dysfunction and severe aortic stenosis. Percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty and levosimendan were safe and effective in the treatment of acute heart failure, acting as a bridge to surgery.

Pharmacology of levosimendan: inotropic, vasodilatory and cardioprotective effects

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Positive inotropic agents are frequently used in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction. These agents are known to improve cardiac performance and peripheral perfusion in the short-term treatment. However, several preclinical and clinical studies emphasized detrimental effects of these drugs on myocardial oxygen demand and on sympathetic tone entailing arrhythmogenesis. Levosimendan is an inotropic agent with an original mechanism of action. This review focuses on major data available for levosimendan.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in the PubMed database by including studies published in English using combinations of the following key words, levosimendan, inotropic drugs and acute heart failure. Furthermore, bibliographies of selected references were also evaluated for relevant articles. The collection for this review was limited to the most recently available human and animal data.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Levosimendan's vasodilatory and cardioprotective effects are mediated by calcium sensitization of contractile proteins and opening of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent K+ channels in vascular smooth muscle cells and on mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium [mito.K(ATP)] channels. This inotropic agent has mild PDE inhibitory action. Unlike other inotropic agents, levosimendan improves cardiac performance without activating the sympathetic nervous system. Moreover, there are evidences that levosimendan has additional anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties that prevent cardiac toxicity and contributes to positive hemodynamic response of the drug. Four randomized trials evaluated the effects of levosimendan on mortality in patients with acute decompensated chronic heart failure; nevertheless, a clear benefit has not been demonstrated so far. Although levosimendan is indicated for the treatment of ADHF (class of recommendation IIa, level of evidence B), it is has not been approved in all countries.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

This review summarizes the characteristics and the current knowledge of the literature on levosimendan and its active metabolite OR-1896.

Effect of levosimendan on the short-term clinical course of patients with acutely decompensated heart failure

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of levosimendan, a positive inotropic drug with vasodilator effects, given intravenously to patients with acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF).

METHODS

We performed 2 sequential trials, the first to develop a new measure of efficacy in 100 patients, and the second to use this measure to evaluate levosimendan in an additional 600 patients. Patients admitted with ADHF received placebo or intravenous levosimendan for 24 h in addition to standard treatment. The primary endpoint was a composite that evaluated changes in clinical status during the first 5 days after randomization.

RESULTS

In the 600-patient trial, more levosimendan than placebo patients (58 vs. 44) were improved at all 3 pre-specified time points (6 h, 24 h, and 5 days), whereas fewer levosimendan patients (58 vs. 82) experienced clinical worsening (p = 0.015 for the difference between the groups). These differences were apparent, despite more frequent intensification of adjunctive therapy in the placebo group (79 vs. 45 patients). Improvements in patient self-assessment and declines in B-type natriuretic peptide levels with levosimendan persisted for 5 days and were associated with reduced length of stay (p = 0.009). Similar findings were present in the 100-patient pilot trial. Levosimendan was associated with more frequent hypotension and cardiac arrhythmias during the infusion period and a numerically higher risk of death across the 2 trials (49 of 350 on a regimen of levosimendan vs. 40 of 350 on a regimen of placebo at 90 days, p = 0.29).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with ADHF, intravenous levosimendan provided rapid and durable symptomatic relief. As dosed in this trial, levosimendan was associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events. (Evaluation of Intravenous Levosimendan Efficacy in the Short Term Treatment of Decompensated Chronic Heart Failure; NCT00048425).