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Pilia E, Silvetti S, Bohane SM, Pusceddu E, Belletti A. Safety of Levosimendan in Pediatric Patients: An Up-to-Date Systematic Review. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2024; 38:820-828. [PMID: 38135567 DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2023.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The potential risks associated with the use of levosimendan in the pediatric population has not been systematically evaluated. This study aimed to review the available evidence regarding the safety of this treatment. METHODS Bio Med Central, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of clinical trials were searched for studies describing levosimendan administration in the pediatric population in any setting. Relevant studies were independently screened, selected, and their data extracted by two investigators. The authors excluded: reviews, meta-analyses, as well as basic research and trials involving patients >18 years old. The primary outcome was the number and the type of adverse side effects reported during levosimendan administration. RESULTS The updated systematic review included 48 studies, enrolling a total of 1,271 pediatric patients who received levosimendan as treatment (790 patients in the 11 studies that reported side effects). The primary adverse effects of levosimendan administration were hypotension and cardiac arrhythmias, particularly tachycardia. Hypotension occurred in approximately 28.9% of patients, while arrhythmia occurred in about 12.3% of patients. Meta analysis of RCTs revealed a rate of all-cause mortality of 2.0% (8 out of 385) in the levosimendan group compared to 3.9% (15 out of 378) in the control group (dobutamine, milrinone or placebo) (risk ratio [RR] = 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.25-1.21; P = 0.14; I2 = 0%) CONCLUSIONS: Hypotension and cardiac arrhythmia are the most reported side effects of levosimendan in pediatric patients. However, adverse events remain underreported, especially in randomized trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eros Pilia
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; ARNAS G. Brotzu, Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, Liver Transplantation Center, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Simona Silvetti
- Dipartimento di Cardioanestesia e Terapia Intensiva, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS - IRCCS Cardiovascular Network, Genova, Italy
| | - Shai Marc Bohane
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Pusceddu
- ARNAS G. Brotzu, Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, Liver Transplantation Center, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Belletti
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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2
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Weisert M, Su JA, Menteer J, Shaddy RE, Kantor PF. Drug Treatment of Heart Failure in Children: Gaps and Opportunities. Paediatr Drugs 2022; 24:121-136. [PMID: 35084696 DOI: 10.1007/s40272-021-00485-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Medical therapy for pediatric heart failure is based on a detailed mechanistic understanding of the underlying causes, which are diverse and unlike those encountered in most adult patients. Diuresis and improved perfusion are the immediate goals of care in the child with acute decompensated heart failure. Conversion to maintenance oral therapy for heart failure is based on the results of landmark studies in adults, as well as recent pediatric clinical trials and heart failure guidelines. There will continue to be an important role for newer drugs, some of which are in active trials in adults, and some of which are already approved for use in children. The need to plan for clinical trials in children during drug development for heart failure is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Weisert
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Heart Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Su
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Heart Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jondavid Menteer
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Heart Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert E Shaddy
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Heart Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Paul F Kantor
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Division of Cardiology, Heart Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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3
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Silvetti S, Belletti A, Bianzina S, Momeni M. Effect of Levosimendan Treatment in Pediatric Patients With Cardiac Dysfunction: An Update of a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2021; 36:657-664. [PMID: 34656399 DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2021.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Levosimendan increasingly has been used to treat heart failure and cardiac dysfunction in pediatric patients. Currently, there is only limited evidence that this drug positively affects outcomes. The authors' aim was to investigate the effects of levosimendan on hemodynamic parameters and outcomes in pediatric patients in all clinical settings. The study design was a systematic review of randomized and nonrandomized studies. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included in a meta-analysis. The primary outcome of the meta-analysis was the effect of levosimendan on central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) and lactate values as surrogate markers of low-cardiac-output syndrome. The study setting was any acute care setting. Study participants were pediatric patients (age <18 years) receiving levosimendan, and the intervention was levosimendan versus any control treatment. The authors identified 44 studies published from 2004 to 2020, including a total of 1,131 pediatric patients. Nine studies (enrolling 547 patients) were RCTs, all performed in a pediatric cardiac surgery setting. Three RCTs were judged to carry a low risk of bias. In the RCTs, levosimendan administration was associated with a significant improvement of ScvO2 (p = 0.03) and a trend toward lower postoperative lactate levels (p = 0.08). No differences could be found for secondary outcomes. Levosimendan use in pediatric patients is not associated with major side effects and may lead to hemodynamic improvement after cardiac surgery. However, its impact on major clinical outcomes remains to be determined. Overall, the quality of evidence for levosimendan use in pediatric patients is low, and further high-quality RCTs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Silvetti
- Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Critical Care and Perinatal Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Belletti
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Bianzina
- Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Critical Care and Perinatal Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Mona Momeni
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Brussels, Belgium
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4
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Elsherbini H, Soliman O, Zijderhand C, Lenzen M, Hoeks SE, Kaddoura R, Izham M, Alkhulaifi A, Omar AS, Caliskan K. Intermittent levosimendan infusion in ambulatory patients with end-stage heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 984 patients. Heart Fail Rev 2021; 27:493-505. [PMID: 33839989 PMCID: PMC8898255 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-021-10101-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We sought to synthesize the available evidence regarding safety and efficacy of intermittent levosimendan (LEVO) infusions in ambulatory patients with end-stage heart failure (HF). Safety and efficacy of ambulatory intermittent LEVO infusion in patients with end-stage HF are yet not established. We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases, from inception to January 30, 2021 for studies reporting outcome of adult ambulatory patients with end-stage HF treated with intermittent LEVO infusion. Fifteen studies (8 randomized and 7 observational) comprised 984 patients (LEVO [N = 727] and controls [N = 257]) met the inclusion criteria. LEVO was associated with improved New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class (weighted mean difference [WMD] −1.04, 95%CI: −1.70 to −0.38, p < 0.001, 5 studies, I2 = 93%), improved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (WMD 4.0%, 95%CI: 2.8% to 5.3%, p < 0.001, 6 studies, I2 = 9%), and reduced BNP levels (WMD −549 pg/mL, 95%CI −866 to −233, p < 0001, 3 studies, I2 = 66%). All-cause death was not different (RR 0.65, 95%CI: 0.38 to 1.093, p = 0.10, 6 studies, I2 = 0), but cardiovascular death was lower on LEVO (RR 0.34, 95%CI: 0.13 to 0.87, p = 0.02, 3 studies, I2 = 0) compared to controls. Furthermore, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was improved alongside with reduced LV size following LEVO infusions. Major adverse events were not different between LEVO and placebo. In conclusion, intermittent LEVO infusions in ambulatory patients with end-stage HF is associated with less frequent cardiovascular death alongside with improved NYHA class, quality of life, BNP levels, and LV function. However, the current evidence is limited by heterogeneous and relatively small studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagar Elsherbini
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Osama Soliman
- Department of Cardiology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Casper Zijderhand
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mattie Lenzen
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sanne E Hoeks
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rasha Kaddoura
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamed Izham
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdulaziz Alkhulaifi
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery/Cardiac Anaesthesia & ICU, Heart Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Amr S Omar
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery/Cardiac Anaesthesia & ICU, Heart Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Critical Care Medicine, Beni Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kadir Caliskan
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
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5
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Abril-Molina A, Gómez-Luque JM, Perin F, Esteban-Molina M, Ferreiro-Marzal A, Fernandez-Guerrero C, Ocete-Hita E. Effect of Preoperative Infusion of Levosimendan on Biomarkers of Myocardial Injury and Haemodynamics After Paediatric Cardiac Surgery: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Drugs R D 2021; 21:79-89. [PMID: 33367965 PMCID: PMC7937581 DOI: 10.1007/s40268-020-00332-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to test the hypothesis that preoperative infusion of levosimendan would decrease patients' cardiac biomarker profiles during the immediate postoperative stage (troponin I and B-type natriuretic peptide levels) more efficiently than placebo after cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS In a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study, 30 paediatric patients were scheduled for congenital heart disease surgery. 15 patients (50%) received prophylactic levosimendan and 15 patients (50%) received placebo from 12 h before cardiopulmonary bypass to 24 h after surgery. RESULTS Troponin I levels were higher in the placebo group at 0, 12, and 24 h after cardiopulmonary bypass, although the mean differences between the study groups and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for troponin I levels did not present statistically significant differences at any of the three time points considered (mean differences [95% CIs] - 3.32 pg/ml [- 19.34 to 12.70], - 2.42 pg/ml [- 19.78 to 13.95], and - 79.94 pg/ml [- 266.99 to 16.39] at 0, 12, and 24 h, respectively). A similar lack of statistically significant difference was observed for B-type natriuretic peptide (mean differences [95% CIs] 36.86 pg/dl [- 134.16 to 225.64], - 350.79 pg/dl [- 1459.67 to 557.45], and - 310.35 pg/dl [- 1505.76 to 509.82]). Lactic acid levels were significantly lower with levosimendan; the mean differences between the study groups and the 95% CIs for lactate levels present statistically significant differences at 0 h (- 1.52 mmol/l [- 3.19 to - 0.25]) and 12 h (- 1.20 mmol/l [- 2.53 to - 0.10]) after cardiopulmonary bypass. Oxygen delivery (DO2) was significantly higher at 12 h and 24 h after surgery (mean difference [95% CI] 627.70 ml/min/m2 [122.34-1162.67] and 832.35 ml/min/m2 [58.15 to 1651.38], respectively). CONCLUSIONS Levosimendan does not significantly improve patients' postoperative troponin I and B-type natriuretic peptide profiles during the immediate postoperative stage in comparison with placebo, although both were numerically higher with placebo. Levosimendan, however, significantly reduced lactic acid levels and improved patients' DO2 profiles. These results highlight the importance of this new drug and its possible benefit with regard to myocardial injury; however, evaluation in larger, adequately powered trials is needed to determine the efficacy of levosimendan. Trial registry number: EudraCT 2012-005310-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Abril-Molina
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Jose M Gómez-Luque
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
| | - Francesca Perin
- Paediatric Cardiology Unit, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - María Esteban-Molina
- Paediatric Cardiac Surgery Unit, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Andrea Ferreiro-Marzal
- Paediatric Cardiac Surgery Unit, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Esther Ocete-Hita
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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6
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Loss KL, Shaddy RE, Kantor PF. Recent and Upcoming Drug Therapies for Pediatric Heart Failure. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:681224. [PMID: 34858897 PMCID: PMC8632454 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.681224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric heart failure (HF) is an important clinical condition with high morbidity, mortality, and costs. Due to the heterogeneity in clinical presentation and etiologies, the development of therapeutic strategies is more challenging in children than adults. Most guidelines recommending drug therapy for pediatric HF are extrapolated from studies in adults. Unfortunately, even using all available treatment, progression to cardiac transplantation is common. The development of prospective clinical trials in the pediatric population has significant obstacles, including small sample sizes, slow recruitment rates, challenging endpoints, and high costs. However, progress is being made as evidenced by the recent introduction of ivabradine and of sacubitril/valsartan. In the last 5 years, new drugs have also been developed for HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in adults. The use of well-designed prospective clinical trials will be fundamental in the evaluation of safety and efficacy of these new drugs on the pediatric population. The aim of this article is to review the clinical presentation and management of acute and chronic pediatric heart failure, focusing on systolic dysfunction in patients with biventricular circulation and a systemic left ventricle. We discuss the drugs recently approved for children and those emerging, or in use for adults with HFrEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla L Loss
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Robert E Shaddy
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Paul F Kantor
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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7
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A single center experience in pediatric cardiomyopathy. Risk factors, outcomes and the effect of levosimendan. PROGRESS IN PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ppedcard.2020.101201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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8
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Goyer I, Brossier D, Toledano B. Hemodynamic support of a 15-year-old waiting for a heart transplant: Is there a role for levosimendan in pediatric heart failure? Arch Pediatr 2018; 25:132-135. [PMID: 29395891 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Decompensated heart failure in children requires rapid and aggressive support. In refractory cases, invasive supportive care is essential to ensure cardiac output. This results in lengthy pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stays, secondary morbidity, and high cost. Levosimendan may help palliate the pitfalls encountered with the usual treatment. It has been shown to improve hemodynamics and decrease morbidity and mortality from heart failure in adult trials and pediatric cohorts. We report the case of a 15-year-old boy with dilated cardiomyopathy and refractory ventricular dysfunction who was weaned from continuous inotropes and discharged from the PICU with levosimendan while waiting for heart transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Goyer
- Department of pharmacy, CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte-Ste-Catherine, H3T1C5 Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - D Brossier
- Department of pediatric intensive care unit, CHU de Caen, avenue de la Côte-de-Nacre, 14033 Caen, France
| | - B Toledano
- Department of pediatrics, university of Montreal, CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte-Ste-Catherine, H3T1C5 Montreal, QC, Canada
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9
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Suominen P, Mattila N, Nyblom O, Rautiainen P, Turanlahti M, Rahkonen O. The Hemodynamic Effects and Safety of Repetitive Levosimendan Infusions on Children With Dilated Cardiomyopathy. World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg 2016; 8:25-31. [PMID: 28033083 DOI: 10.1177/2150135116674466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited treatment options are available for children with decompensated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), while they wait for either functional recovery or heart transplantation. We evaluated the safety of repetitive levosimendan infusions and short-term and long-term impacts of the therapy in this patient population. METHODS Eighty-one repetitive levosimendan infusions administered to 20 patients with DCM at severe or end stage of the disease in the pediatric intensive care unit were analyzed retrospectively. Echocardiographic assessments were reinterpreted by two experienced pediatric cardiologists. The mean follow-up time after therapy was 9.8 ± 3.3 years. RESULTS The median age of the patients at the time of the first levosimendan infusion was 1.1 years (interquartile range: 0.3-2.1). Transient hypotension was reported in 17.3% of the infusions. No significant changes in the mean ejection fraction were detected after repetitive levosimendan infusion (31.6 ± 12.5 vs 33.1 ± 12.4; P = .39) or for the laboratory parameters for the group as a whole. In 7 (35%) of 20 patients, the mean ejection fraction improved from 20% ± 12% to 35% ± 11% ( P = .003). The administration of concomitant medications and time may have contributed to the healing process of these patients. Two patients were removed from the transplantation waiting-list owing to clinical recovery after six months of therapy. The long-term survival rate was 70% (n = 14 of 20). CONCLUSIONS Repetitive levosimendan infusions in children with DCM appeared to be hemodynamically well tolerated without severe adverse events. Although one-third of the children had a good response to repetitive levosimendan infusions, no overall significant improvement in ventricular performance could be found in this heterogenous DCM patient population, which included the patients in end-stage heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pertti Suominen
- 1 Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Niklas Mattila
- 1 Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olle Nyblom
- 2 Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Paula Rautiainen
- 1 Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maila Turanlahti
- 2 Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Otto Rahkonen
- 2 Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland
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10
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Séguéla PE, Tafer N, Thambo JB, Mauriat P. [Use of levosimendan in children]. Arch Pediatr 2016; 23:848-56. [PMID: 27369103 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Levosimendan is a calcium-sensitizing drug with positive inotropic properties. As an inodilator, this molecule also has a vasodilation effect. While its efficacy has been demonstrated in the adult in the context of cardiac surgery, its pediatric use is still not widespread. Many studies have shown its safety of use in children, including in the newborn. Across the world, a growing number of teams use levosimendan to treat both acute and chronic heart failure. Through a review of the literature, we describe its pharmacodynamic effects, its current applications, and its perspectives of use in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- P-E Séguéla
- Service de cardiologie pédiatrique et congénitale, hôpital Haut-Lévèque, CHU de Bordeaux, avenue de Magellan, 33604 Pessac cedex, France; Service de réanimation chirurgicale des cardiopathies congénitales, hôpital Haut-Lévèque, CHU de Bordeaux, avenue de Magellan, 33604 Pessac, France.
| | - N Tafer
- Service de réanimation chirurgicale des cardiopathies congénitales, hôpital Haut-Lévèque, CHU de Bordeaux, avenue de Magellan, 33604 Pessac, France
| | - J-B Thambo
- Service de cardiologie pédiatrique et congénitale, hôpital Haut-Lévèque, CHU de Bordeaux, avenue de Magellan, 33604 Pessac cedex, France
| | - P Mauriat
- Service de réanimation chirurgicale des cardiopathies congénitales, hôpital Haut-Lévèque, CHU de Bordeaux, avenue de Magellan, 33604 Pessac, France
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