Resumen de Levosimendan
Francisco Javier Carrera Hueso, J. Carrera Hueso, María Luisa Carrera Hueso, José Miguel Gallego López
The properties of levosimendan, a new calcium sensitizing drug used in the treatment for decompensated heart failure, are reviewed. It presents a double action mechanism responsible for its positively inotropic effect, by increasing the heart's contractile force due to its effect on proteins that depend on calcium and vasodilation, by activating the ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Also, its safety and pharmacokinetic properties are detailed. The clinical use of levosimendan is evaluated on: acute heart failure, decompensated heart failure, heart failure of ischemic and septic origin, and after heart surgery. Levosimendan presents beneficial effects in patients with low-cost decompensated heart failure and is better tolerated than dobutamine (lower arrhythmogenicity); improving the mortality and the re-hospitalization. No data are available neither for its use in heart failure after heart surgery not for its use in heart failure associated with septic shock
