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Ge Z, Gao Y, Lu X, Yu S, Qin M, Gong C, Walline JH, Zhu H, Li Y. The association between levosimendan and mortality in patients with sepsis or septic shock: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Emerg Med 2024; 31:90-97. [PMID: 38015719 PMCID: PMC10901220 DOI: 10.1097/mej.0000000000001105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Levosimendan is increasingly being used in patients with sepsis or septic shock because of its potential to improve organ function and reduce mortality. We aimed to determine if levosimendan can reduce mortality in patients with sepsis or septic shock via meta-analysis. EVIDENCE SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION We comprehensively searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from inception through 1 October 2022. Literature evaluating the efficacy of levosimendan in patients with sepsis or septic shock was included. DATA EXTRACTION AND OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Two reviewers extracted data and assessed study quality. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate an odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and P -values for 28-day mortality (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes included changes in indexes reflecting cardiac function before and after treatment, changes in serum lactate levels in the first 24 h of treatment, and the mean SOFA score during the study period. Safety outcomes included rates of tachyarrhythmias and total adverse reactions encountered with levosimendan. RESULTS Eleven randomized controlled trials were identified, encompassing a total of 1044 patients. After using levosimendan, there was no statistical difference between groups for 28-day mortality (34.9% and 36.2%; OR: 0.93; 95% CI [0.72-1.2]; P = 0.57; I 2 = 0%; trial sequential analysis-adjusted CI [0.6-1.42]) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and more adverse reactions seemed to occur in the levosimendan group, although the septic shock patient's heart function and serum lactate level improved. CONCLUSION There was no association between the use of levosimendan and 28-day mortality and SOFA scores in patients with septic shock, though there was statistically significant improvement in cardiac function and serum lactate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengzheng Ge
- Emergency Department, State Key Laboratory for Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing
| | - Yanxia Gao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xin Lu
- Emergency Department, State Key Laboratory for Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing
| | - Shiyuan Yu
- Emergency Department, State Key Laboratory for Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing
| | - Mubing Qin
- Emergency Department, State Key Laboratory for Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing
| | - Chao Gong
- Emergency Department, State Key Laboratory for Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing
| | - Joseph Harold Walline
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Penn State Health, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Huadong Zhu
- Emergency Department, State Key Laboratory for Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing
| | - Yi Li
- Emergency Department, State Key Laboratory for Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing
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Arfaras-Melainis A, Ventoulis I, Polyzogopoulou E, Boultadakis A, Parissis J. The current and future status of inotropes in heart failure management. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2023; 21:573-585. [PMID: 37458248 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2023.2237869] [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: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome with a wide range of presentations and acuity, ranging from outpatient care to inpatient management due to acute decompensated HF, cardiogenic shock or advanced HF. Frequently, the etiology of a patient's decompensation is diminished cardiac output and peripheral hypoperfusion. Consequently, there is a need for use of inotropes, agents that increase cardiac contractility, optimize hemodynamics and ensure adequate perfusion. AREAS COVERED Inotropes are divided into 3 major classes: beta agonists, phosphodiesterase III inhibitors and calcium sensitizers. Additionally, as data from prospective studies accumulates, novel agents are emerging, including omecamtiv mecarbil and istaroxime. The aim of this review is to summarize current data on the optimal use of inotropes and to provide an expert opinion regarding their current and future use in the management of HF. EXPERT OPINION The use of inotropes has long been linked to worsening mortality, tachyarrhythmias, increased myocardial oxygen consumption and ischemia. Therefore, individualized and evidence-based treatment plans for patients who require inotropic support are necessary. Also, better quality data on the use of existing inotropes is imperative, while the development of newer and safer agents will lead to more effective management of patients with HF in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelos Arfaras-Melainis
- Division of Cardiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Ioannis Ventoulis
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Western Macedonia, Ptolemaida, Greece
| | - Effie Polyzogopoulou
- Emergency Department, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonios Boultadakis
- Emergency Department, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - John Parissis
- Emergency Department, Heart Failure Unit, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Kocabeyoglu SS, Kervan U, Sert DE, Karahan M, Aygun E, Beyazal OF, Unal EU, Akin Y, Demirkan B, Pac M. Optimization with levosimendan improves outcomes after left ventricular assist device implantation. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2021; 57:176-182. [PMID: 31155645 DOI: 10.1093/ejcts/ezz159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine the haemodynamic effects of preoperative levosimendan infusion in patients who underwent left ventricular assist device implantation and evaluate the prognoses. METHODS Between May 2013 and October 2018, 85 adult patients who underwent left ventricular assist device implantation were included; 44 and 41 patients suffered from dilated cardiomyopathy and ischaemic cardiomyopathy, respectively. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A (58 patients) included those who received levosimendan infusion in addition to other inotropes and group B (27 patients) included those who received inotropic agents other than levosimendan. Levosimendan infusion was started at a dose of 0.1 µg⋅kg-1⋅min-1 for a maximum of 48 h without a bolus. The primary outcome was early right ventricular failure (RVF). The secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, need for right ventricular assist device, late RVF and recovery of end-organ functions. The safety end points of levosimendan included hypotension, atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation and resuscitated cardiac arrest. RESULTS Patient characteristics were similar in both groups. No significant differences between groups were observed in the rates of early mortality, RVF, need for right ventricular assist device, cardiopulmonary bypass time and intensive care unit stay. Survival rates at 30 days, 1 year and 3 years and freedom from late RVF were similar between the groups. Administration of levosimendan was safe, generally well-tolerated and not interrupted because of side effects. CONCLUSIONS Levosimendan therapy was well-tolerated in patients who received permanent left ventricular assist devices. Combined preoperative therapy with inotropes and levosimendan significantly improves end-organ functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Umit Kervan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Dogan Emre Sert
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Karahan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Emre Aygun
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Osman Fehmi Beyazal
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ertekin Utku Unal
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yesim Akin
- Department of Cardiology, Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Burcu Demirkan
- Department of Cardiology, Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Pac
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Chan CC, Lee KT, Ho WJ, Chan YH, Chu PH. Levosimendan use in patients with acute heart failure and reduced ejection fraction with or without severe renal dysfunction in critical cardiac care units: a multi-institution database study. Ann Intensive Care 2021; 11:27. [PMID: 33555483 PMCID: PMC7869075 DOI: 10.1186/s13613-021-00810-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acute heart failure is a life-threatening clinical condition. Levosimendan is an effective inotropic agent used to maintain cardiac output, but its usage is limited by the lack of evidence in patients with severely abnormal renal function. Therefore, we analyzed data of patients with acute heart failure with and without abnormal renal function to examine the effects of levosimendan. Methods We performed this retrospective cohort study using data from the Chang Gung Research Database (CGRD) of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CGMH). Patients admitted for heart failure with LVEF ≤ 40% between January 2013 and December 2018 who received levosimendan or dobutamine in the critical cardiac care units (CCU) were identified. Patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) were excluded. Outcomes of interest were mortality at 30, 90, and 180 days after the cohort entry date. Results There were no significant differences in mortality rate at 30, 90, and 180 days after the cohort entry date between the levosimendan and dobutamine groups, or between subgroups of patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 or on dialysis. The results were consistent before and after propensity score matching. Conclusions Levosimendan did not increase short- or long-term mortality rates in critical patients with acute heart failure and reduced ejection fraction compared to dobutamine, regardless of their renal function. An eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 was not necessarily considered a contraindication for levosimendan in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cze-Ci Chan
- Department of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Tso Lee
- Department of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Jing Ho
- Department of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsin Chan
- Department of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Pao-Hsien Chu
- Department of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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Zima E, Farmakis D, Pollesello P, Parissis JT. Differential effects of inotropes and inodilators on renal function in acute cardiac care. Eur Heart J Suppl 2020; 22:D12-D19. [PMID: 32431569 PMCID: PMC7225871 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/suaa091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Pathological interplay between the heart and kidneys is widely encountered in heart failure (HF) and is linked to worse prognosis and quality of life. Inotropes, along with diuretics and vasodilators, are a core medical response to HF but decompensated patients who need inotropic support often present with an acute worsening of renal function. The impact of inotropes on renal function is thus potentially an important influence on the choice of therapy. There is currently relatively little objective data available to guide the selection of inotrope therapy but recent direct observations on the effects of levosimendan and milrinone on glomerular filtration favour levosimendan. Other lines of evidence indicate that in acute decompensated HF levosimendan has an immediate renoprotective effect by increasing renal blood flow through preferential vasodilation of the renal afferent arterioles and increases in glomerular filtration rate: potential for renal medullary ischaemia is avoided by an offsetting increase in renal oxygen delivery. These indications of a putative reno-protective action of levosimendan support the view that this calcium-sensitizing inodilator may be preferable to dobutamine or other adrenergic inotropes in some settings by virtue of its renal effects. Additional large studies will be required, however, to clarify the renal effects of levosimendan in this and other relevant clinical situations, such as cardiac surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endre Zima
- Cardiac Intensive Care, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dimitrios Farmakis
- Department of Cardiology, University of Cyprus Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Piero Pollesello
- Critical Care Proprietary Products, CO, Orion Pharma, PO Box 65, FIN-02101 Espoo, Finland
| | - John T Parissis
- Second Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Levosimendan in Acute and Advanced Heart Failure: An Appraisal of the Clinical Database and Evaluation of Its Therapeutic Applications. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2019; 71:129-136. [PMID: 28817484 PMCID: PMC5862004 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The use of inotropes for correcting hemodynamic dysfunction in patients with congestive heart failure has been described over many decades. However, negative or insufficient data have been collected regarding the effects of cardiac glycosides, catecholamines, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors on quality of life and survival. More recently, the calcium sensitizer and potassium channel-opener levosimendan has been proposed as a safer inodilator than traditional agents in some heart failure settings, such as advanced heart failure. At the 2017 annual congress of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology (Paris, April 30-May 2), a series of tutorials delivered by lecturers from 8 European countries examined how to use levosimendan safely and effectively in acute and advanced heart failure. The proceedings of those tutorials have been collated in this review to provide an expert perspective on the optimized use of levosimendan in those settings.
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Harjola VP, Giannakoulas G, von Lewinski D, Matskeplishvili S, Mebazaa A, Papp Z, Schwinger RHG, Pollesello P, Parissis JT. Use of levosimendan in acute heart failure. Eur Heart J Suppl 2018; 20:I2-I10. [PMID: 30555279 PMCID: PMC6288642 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/suy039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
As a calcium sensitizer and inodilator that augments cardiac contractility without increasing myocardial oxygen demand or exacerbating ischaemia, levosimendan may be well configured to deliver inotropic support in cases of acute heart failure (AHF). Other factors favouring levosimendan in this setting include its extended duration of action due to the formation of an active metabolite and the lack of any attenuation of effect in patients treated with beta-blockers. Effects of levosimendan on systemic haemodynamics include its significant, dose-dependent increases in cardiac output, stroke volume and heart rate, and decreases in right and left ventricular filling and total peripheral resistance. Rapid and sustained reduction in levels of natriuretic peptides is a consistent effect of levosimendan use and potentially favourable effects on other neurohormonal indicators of cardiac distress are also observed. Levosimendan has repeatedly been shown to be effective in relief of symptoms of AHF, notably dyspnoea and fatigue, while mortality data from clinical trials and registries suggest that levosimendan is markedly less likely than catecholaminergic inotropes to worsen prognosis. The vasodilator pharmacology of levosimendan is also pertinent to the drug’s use in AHF, in which setting organ under-perfusion is often a key pathology. These considerations suggest that levosimendan may have a more favourable impact on the circumstances of the majority of AHF patients than adrenergic agents that act only or primarily as cardiac stimulants. They also suggest that levosimendan may advantageously be integrated into a comprehensive strategy of early intervention designed and intended to prevent cardiac destabilization worsening to the point where hospitalization is necessary. Levosimendan should be used with caution and with tightened haemodynamic monitoring in patients who have low baseline blood pressure (systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure <60 mmHg), or who are at risk of a hypotensive episode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veli-Pekka Harjola
- Department of Cardiology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | | | - Alexandre Mebazaa
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, INSERM UMR 942, Lariboisière Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Zoltan Papp
- Division of Clinical Physiology, Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Robert H G Schwinger
- Medizinische Klinik II, Klinikum Weiden, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Piero Pollesello
- Orion Pharma, Critical Care Proprietary Products, PO Box 65, FIN-02101 Espoo, Finland
| | - John T Parissis
- Second Cardiology Department and Heart Failure Unit, Attikon Teaching Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Fedele F, Karason K, Matskeplishvili S. Pharmacological approaches to cardio-renal syndrome: a role for the inodilator levosimendan. Eur Heart J Suppl 2017; 19:C22-C28. [PMID: 29249907 PMCID: PMC5932558 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/sux002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pathological interplay between the heart and kidneys—also known as cardio-renal syndrome (CRS)—is frequently encountered in heart failure and is linked to worse prognosis and quality of life. Drug therapies for this complex situation may include nitroprusside or the recombinant B-type natriuretic peptide nesiritide for patients with acute CRS with normal or high blood pressure, and inotropes or inodilators for patients with acute CRS with low blood pressure. Clinical data for a renal-protective action of levosimendan are suggestive, and meta-analysis data obtained in a range of low-output states are consistent with a levosimendan-induced benefit. Evidence of favourable organ-specific effects of levosimendan, including pre-glomerular vasodilation and increased renal artery diameter and renal blood flow, were collected both in preclinical and clinical studies. Larger randomized controlled trials are however needed to confirm the renal effects of levosimendan in various clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fedele
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Anesthesiology, Nephrology and Geriatric Science, School of Cardiology, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Kristjan Karason
- Departments of Cardiology and Transplantation, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Simon Matskeplishvili
- Department of Cardiology, University Clinic, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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Fruhwald S, Pollesello P, Fruhwald F. Advanced heart failure: an appraisal of the potential of levosimendan in this end-stage scenario and some related ethical considerations. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2016; 14:1335-1347. [PMID: 27778514 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2016.1247694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The later stages of heart failure are characterized by a steady decline in quality of life. Clinical priorities should be to maintain functional capacity and quality of life. In the absence of sufficient organs for transplantation, options include left ventricular assist devices and inotropic support. Areas covered: We examined data published in the last two decades on the use of inotropes and inodilators in advanced heart failure. Expert commentary: In the literature, use of conventional inotropes, including adrenergic agonists and phosphodiesterase inhibitors, appears to be suboptimal for achieving the clinical priorities of late-stage heart failure. Evidence suggests instead that the calcium-sensitizing inodilator levosimendan, administered intermittently, delivers improvements in functional capacity and quality of life and does so with no adverse impact on life expectancy. At a terminal or near-terminal stage of heart failure, the therapeutic philosophy should shift towards meeting patients' existential priorities rather than traditional heart failure-centric targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Fruhwald
- a Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology for Cardiovascular Surgery and Intensive Care Medicine , Medical University of Graz , Graz , Austria
| | - Piero Pollesello
- b Critical Care Proprietary Products , Orion Pharma , Espoo , Finland
| | - Friedrich Fruhwald
- c Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology , Medical University of Graz , Graz , Austria
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