Publication Type : Journal Article
Publisher : Annals of pediatric cardiology
Source : Ann Pediatr Cardiol. 2016 Jan-Apr;9(1):9-15
Url : https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27011685/
Campus : Faridabad
Year : 2016
Abstract : Context: Levosimendan is a new generation inotrope with calcium sensitizing properties and proven benefits in adults.
Aims: This study investigates the use of levosimendan as a first line inotrope in congenital heart surgery.
Settings and design: Prospective, observational study in a tertiary care center.
Materials and methods: One hundred and ten patients undergoing congenital cardiac surgery received levosimendan at a loading dose of 12 mcg/kg during rewarming on cardiopulmonary bypass followed by continuous infusion of 0.1 mcg/kg/min for 48 h. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded at the time of admission to Intensive Care Unit, and at 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h thereafter.
Statistical analysis: Categorical variables were compared using Chi-square test. Non-normally distributed quantitative variables were compared between groups using Kruskal-Wallis test.
Results: At discharge from operating room (OR), 36 (32.7%) patients required levosimendan alone to maintain optimum cardiac output, 59 (53.6%) patients required the addition of low-dose adrenaline (<0.1 mcg/kg/min) and 15 (13.6%) patients required either increment in adrenaline to high-dose (≥0.1 mcg/kg/min) or starting another inotrope/vasoactive agent. Overall, there were five mortalities. Hypotension leading to discontinuation of levosimendan was not found in any patient. Arrhythmias were observed in three patients. Fifty-four patients were extubated in the OR.
Conclusions: Levosimendan-based inotropic regime offers optimized cardiac output with a well-controlled heart rate and a low incidence of arrhythmias in patients undergoing all categories of congenital heart surgeries.
Cite this Research Publication : Joshi RK, Aggarwal N, Aggarwal M, Pandey R, Dinand V, Joshi R. Successful use of levosimendan as a primary inotrope in pediatric cardiac surgery: An observational study in 110 patients. Ann Pediatr Cardiol. 2016 Jan-Apr;9(1):9-15. doi: 10.4103/0974-2069.171389. PMID: 27011685; PMCID: PMC4782480.