1
|
Visco V, Esposito C, Rispoli A, Di Pietro P, Izzo C, Loria F, Di Napoli D, Virtuoso N, Bramanti A, Manzo M, Vecchione C, Ciccarelli M. The favourable alliance between CardioMEMS and levosimendan in patients with advanced heart failure. ESC Heart Fail 2024. [PMID: 38761030 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.14838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS We report the results of a real-world study based on heart failure (HF) patients' continuous remote monitoring strategy using the CardioMEMS system to assess the impact of this device on healthcare outcomes, costs, and patients' management and quality of life. METHODS AND RESULTS We enrolled seven patients (69.00 ± 4.88 years; 71.43% men) with HF, implanted with CardioMEMS, and daily remote monitored to optimize both tailored adjustments of home therapy and/or hospital infusions of levosimendan. We recorded clinical, pharmacological, biochemical, and echocardiographic parameters and data on hospitalizations, emergency room access, visits, and costs. Following the implantation of CardioMEMS, we observed a 50% reduction in the total number of hospitalizations and a 68.7% reduction in the number of days in the hospital. Accordingly, improved patient quality of life was recorded with EQ-5D (pre 58.57 ± 10.29 vs. 1 year post 84.29 ± 19.02, P = 0.008). Echocardiographic data show a statistically significant improvement in both systolic pulmonary artery pressure (47.86 ± 8.67 vs. 35.14 ± 9.34, P = 0.022) and E/e' (19.33 ± 5.04 vs. 12.58 ± 3.53, P = 0.023). The Quantikine® HS High-Sensitivity Kit determined elevated interleukin-6 values at enrolment in all patients, with a statistically significant reduction after 6 months (P = 0.0211). From an economic point of view, the net savings, including the cost of CardioMEMS, were on average €1580 per patient during the entire period of observation, while the analysis performed 12 months after the implant vs. 12 months before showed a net saving of €860 per patient. The ad hoc analysis performed on the levosimendan infusions resulted in 315 days of hospital avoidance and a saving of €205 158 for the seven patients enrolled during the observation period. CONCLUSIONS This innovative strategy prevents unplanned access to the hospital and contributes to the efficient use of healthcare facilities, human resources, and costs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Visco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende, 84081, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Cristina Esposito
- Cardiology Unit, University Hospital 'San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona' Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Antonella Rispoli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende, 84081, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Paola Di Pietro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende, 84081, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Carmine Izzo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende, 84081, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Francesco Loria
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende, 84081, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Napoli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende, 84081, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Nicola Virtuoso
- Cardiology Unit, University Hospital 'San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona' Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Alessia Bramanti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende, 84081, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Michele Manzo
- Cardiology Unit, University Hospital 'San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona' Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Carmine Vecchione
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende, 84081, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
- Vascular Physiopathology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Michele Ciccarelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende, 84081, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Silvetti S, Pollesello P, Belletti A. Repeated Levosimendan Infusions in the Management of Advanced Heart Failure: Review of the Evidence and Meta-analysis of the Effect on Mortality. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2024; 83:144-157. [PMID: 37991393 PMCID: PMC10842679 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001506] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT In the latest years, several studies described the impact of repetitive/intermittent i.v. levosimendan treatment in the management of advanced heart failure. For this updated review, we systematically searched the literature for clinical trials, registries , and real-world data and identified 31 studies that we commented in a narrative review: 3814 patients were described, of whom 1744 were treated repetitively with levosimendan. On the basis of the nature of the study protocols and of the end points, out of those studies, we further selected 9 that had characteristics, making them suitable for a meta-analysis on mortality. This short list describes data from 680 patients (of whom 399 received repeated doses of levosimendan) and 110 death events (of which 50 occurred in the levosimendan cohort). In the meta-analysis, repetitive/intermittent therapy with i.v. levosimendan was associated with a significant reduction in mortality at the longest time point available: 50 of 399 (12.5%) versus 60 of 281 (21.4%) in the control arms, with a risk ratio of 0.62 (95% confidence interval, 0.42-0.90; P < 0.01). In a sensitivity analysis, removing each trial and reanalyzing the remaining data set did not change the trend, magnitude, or significance of the results. A visual inspection of the funnel plot did not suggest publication bias. The results provide a very strong rationale for continuing to investigate the repetitive use of levosimendan in patients with advanced heart failure by properly powered regulatory clinical trials. Meanwhile, it seems that the use of repetitive/intermittent i.v. levosimendan infusions has become one of the few effective options for preserving the hemodynamic and symptomatic balance in such patients.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
RabieeRad M, GhasempourDabaghi G, Zare MM, Amani-Beni R. Novel Treatments of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in GDMT for Heart Failure: A State-of-art Review. Curr Probl Cardiol 2023; 48:101740. [PMID: 37054829 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
This state-of-the-art review discuss the available evidence on the use of novel treatments of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy such as omecamtiv mecarbil, EMD-57033, levosimendan, pimobendan, and mavacamten for the treatment of heart failure (HF) in the context of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). The paper provides a detailed overview of these agents' mechanisms of action, potential benefits and limitations, and their effects on clinical outcomes. The review also evaluates the efficacy of the novel treatments in comparison to traditional medications such as digoxin. Finally, we seek to provide insight and guidance to clinicians and researchers in the management of HF patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad RabieeRad
- School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad M Zare
- School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Reza Amani-Beni
- School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhou S, Li D, Zhang L, Li J. The anti-inflammatory and haemodynamic effects of levosimendan on advanced heart failure patients: a meta-analysis of published studies. J Int Med Res 2023; 51:3000605221148402. [PMID: 37490021 PMCID: PMC10387701 DOI: 10.1177/03000605221148402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Increasing evidence from randomized controlled trials shows the anti-inflammatory and haemodynamic effects of levosimendan in advanced heart failure (AdHF), however, conflicting results have been reported in some studies. The aim of this study was to estimate the anti-inflammatory and haemodynamic effects of levosimendan on AdHF (registration number: INPLASY202250097). METHODS The MEDLINE, PubMed, ClinicalTrials.com and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for studies published in English up to April 2019. Data were extracted from applicable articles. Meta-analyses were performed to assess interleukin (IL)-6, cardiac index, pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class efficacy outcomes, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. RESULTS A total of 11 studies were included (211 patients who received levosimendan and 193 controls). Meta-analyses showed that the levosimendan group displayed significantly reduced IL-6 (standardized mean difference [SMD] -1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.44, -0.66; I2 = 50.9%), improved cardiac index (SMD 0.59; 95% CI 0.29, 0.88; I2 = 0.0%); reduced PAP (SMD -1.22; 95% CI -1.91, -0.53; I2 = 89.7%) and improved NYHA functional class (SMD -1.66; 95% CI -2.27, -1.04; I2 = 74.6%) versus controls. CONCLUSIONS Levosimendan infusion was beneficial in patients with AdHF, displayed by anti-inflammatory and improved haemodynamic effects, and improved NYHA functional class.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzhen Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Denghua Li
- Department of Medical Image, the Third Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Lieliang Zhang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Juxiang Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Desai HN, Sangurima L, Malik MM, Ganatra N, Siby R, Kumar S, Khan S, Jayaprakasan SK, Cheriachan D, Mohammed L. Therapeutic Development of Levosimendan in Acute and Advanced Heart Failure: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e37844. [PMID: 37214028 PMCID: PMC10198665 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Levosimendan (LS) has been progressively used for the treatment of patients developing acute as well as chronic or advanced cardiac dysfunction. It has proven to be a better inotropic agent than its counterparts in terms of its ability to increase the cardiac output in an acutely or chronically decompensated heart without an increase in the myocardial oxygen demand. The purpose of this systematic review, which was carried out in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020, was to determine the efficacy and advantages of utilizing LS in patients with both acute and chronic heart failure. We collected and reviewed articles, including clinical trials, literature reviews, randomized and non-randomized control trials, case-control and cohort studies, and systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between January 1, 2012, and November 27, 2022. The databases that were used to collect these articles included Pubmed, Pubmed Central, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. After applying appropriate filters, a total of 143 reports were identified from these four databases. They were further screened and subjected to quality assessment tools which finally yielded 21 studies that were included in this systematic review. This review provides strong evidence that the pharmacological properties and different mechanisms of action of LS give it an upper hand over other inotropic agents for its successful administration in patients with either acute or advanced cardiac failure, which consists of left as well as right ventricular failure, either individually or in combination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heet N Desai
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Leslie Sangurima
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Maujid Masood Malik
- Biomedical Sciences, King Faisal University, Alhsa, SAU
- Biomedical Sciences, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Nency Ganatra
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Rosemary Siby
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Internal Medicine, Bahria University Medical and Dental College PNS Shifa Hospital, Karachi, PAK
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Sara Khan
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Srilakshmi K Jayaprakasan
- Pediatrics, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru, IND
- Pediatrics, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Doju Cheriachan
- Emergency Medicine, Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport, GBR
- Emergency Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Lubna Mohammed
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang YH, Chen JL, Tsai CS, Tsai YT, Lin CY, Ke HY, Hsu PS. Effects of Levosimendan on Systemic Perfusion in Patients with Low Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) Score: Experience from a Single Center in Taiwan. ACTA CARDIOLOGICA SINICA 2021; 37:512-521. [PMID: 34584384 DOI: 10.6515/acs.202109_37(5).20210310b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Patients with cardiogenic shock have a high risk of mortality. Intravenous levosimendan can provide pharmacologic inotrope support. Objectives We aimed to investigate the effect of levosimendan in patients with extremely severe cardiogenic shock and low Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) score with or without mechanical circulatory support. Methods From January 2017 to May 2019, 24 patients with INTERMACS 1-4 were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients had systemic malperfusion and were treated with levosimendan. Biochemistry data related to systemic perfusion were recorded and compared before and at 24 and 72 hours after levosimendan administration. Echocardiography and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) were completed 2 months later to assess left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and quality of life (QoL), respectively. Results Arterial pressure and heart rate did not significantly differ before and after levosimendan administration. Atrial fibrillation and ventricular premature complex increased without significance. The dose of inotropes could be significantly tapered down. There were no significant differences in blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and lactate levels. Urine output significantly increased (p = 0.018), and liver-related enzymes improved but without significance. B-type natriuretic peptide significantly decreased (p = 0.007) at 24 hours after levosimendan administration. Echocardiography showed significantly improved LVEF 2 months later (22.43 ± 8.13% to 35.87 ± 13.4%, p = 0.001). KCCQ showed significantly improved physical activity and greater relief of symptoms (p = 0.003). The survival-to-discharge rate was 75%. Conclusions We observed a decrease in B-type natriuretic peptide, better urine output, and alleviated hepatic injury in the levosimendan group. Most patients who survived without transplantation had significantly improved LVEF and better QoL after levosimendan administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jia-Lin Chen
- Department of Anesthesia, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Yi-Ting Tsai
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery
| | - Chih-Yuan Lin
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery
| | - Hong-Yan Ke
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery
| | - Po-Shun Hsu
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
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: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Al-Wahaibi K, Elfadil OM. The Use of Low-Dose Intermittent Levosimendan Infusion Therapy as Bridge-to-Left Ventricular Assist Device in Advanced Chronic Heart Failure Secondary to Isolated Cardiac Sarcoidosis. Heart Views 2021; 21:291-295. [PMID: 33986931 PMCID: PMC8104322 DOI: 10.4103/heartviews.heartviews_85_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a progressive condition that usually involves a debilitating late course with poor health-related quality of life and increasing mortality rate. In this report, we demonstrate the efficacy and safety of intermittent levosimendan infusion as a bridging therapy to left ventricular assist device use in a patient suffering from cardiac sarcoidosis who failed to respond to optimized medical therapy. Levosimendan was administered in an outpatient infusion-therapy facility every 2 weeks as a single intravenous infusion over 6 h at dose and rate of 0.2 μg/kg/min not proceeded by a bolus. The primary observation we are reporting is the efficacy of this approach reflected on serum concentrations of N-terminal brain natriuretic propeptide and creatinine levels. Secondary observation comprised patient-reported outcomes and clinical events including hospitalization (s).
Collapse
|
9
|
Visco V, Esposito C, Vitillo P, Vecchione C, Ciccarelli M. It is easy to see, but it is better to foresee: a case report on the favourable alliance between CardioMEMS and levosimendan. EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL-CASE REPORTS 2020; 4:1-5. [PMID: 32974431 DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytaa205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background In the past years, different devices have been investigated to help in identifying early decompensation events in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (EF), reducing hospital admissions. In this report, we present the first patient experience with levosimendan infusion led by CardioMEMS. Case summary A 68-year-old man with HF and reduced EF with more than 20 hospitalizations for exacerbation of HF was enrolled in our HF Clinic from October 2017. Echocardiogram showed a dilated left ventricle with severely reduced EF (29%) and increased pulmonary artery systolic pressure (40 mmHg). From October 2017 to May 2019, the patient went through numerous hospitalizations, despite optimal medical therapy; subsequently, was adopted a strategy of levosimendan infusions guided by CardioMEMS. Levosimendan infusions improved haemodynamic and pressure profiles. The patient was monitored daily by CardioMEMS, and from June to December 2019, he had only two hospitalizations scheduled for levosimendan infusion and none for HF exacerbation. Discussion Our case supports the combination of CardioMEMS and levosimendan for the optimal management of patients with advanced HF. These results further strengthen the development of a randomized clinical trial to demonstrate the clinical usefulness of this device in combination with the levosimendan infusion programme in advanced HF patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Visco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende, 84081 Salerno, Italy
| | - Cristina Esposito
- Cardiology Unit, University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona", Largo Città di Ippocrate, 84131 Salerno, Italy
| | - Paolo Vitillo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende, 84081 Salerno, Italy
| | - Carmine Vecchione
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende, 84081 Salerno, Italy.,Vascular Physiopathology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | - Michele Ciccarelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende, 84081 Salerno, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
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.
Collapse
|