Predictors of diuresis response to levosimendan administration in patients with acute heart failure

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Levosimendan, a calcium sensitizer and potassium channel-opener, is appreciated  for its effects on systemic and pulmonary hemodynamic and for the relief of symptoms in acute heart failure (AHF). Positive effects of levosimendan on renal function have been also described. The aim of the present analysis was to assess the predictors of the diuresis response to levosimendan administration in high risk acute heart failure patients. Methods We analysed 34 consecutive patients admitted with high risk AHF to one centre and treated in intensive cardiac care unit. Levosimendan was administered on top of other treatment as a 24-hour in…

Levosimendan in the treatment of patients with acute cardiac conditions: an expert opinion of the Association of Intensive Cardiac Care of the Polish Cardiac Society

Levosimendan is a new inodilator which involves 3 main mechanisms: increases the calcium sensitivity of cardiomyocytes, acts as a vasodilator due to the opening of potassium channels, and has a cardioprotective effect. Levosimendan is mainly used in the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (class IIb recommendation according to the European Society of Cardiology guidelines). However, numerous clinical trials indicate the validity of repeated infusions of levosimendan in patients with stable heart failure as a bridge therapy to heart transplantation, and in patients with accompanying right ventricular heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. Due to the complex mechanism of action,…

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty, Impella insertion and complex coronary intervention: is this all feasible fully percutaneously via upper limb access?

Complex high-risk indicated patients (CHIP) with a limited vascular access constitute a real challenge for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), particularly if they require mechanical circulatory support devices. A 73-year-old man with recent non-ST segment elevation myocardial infraction, depressed left ventricular function (ejection fraction, 40%), aortic stenosis (max/mean gradient, 50/32 mm Hg; aortic valve area and its index, 1.0 cm2 and 0.5 cm2/m2) and numerous comorbidities (including recently diagnosed lung cancer in the initial phase) was scheduled by the heart team for balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) and Impella-supported complex PCI of the left main (LM) and the left ant…

Protein S deficiency and Heerlen polymorphism in a Polish patient with acute myocardial infarction and previous venous thromboembolism