American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Jan 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialThe calcium sensitizer levosimendan improves human diaphragm function.
Acquired diaphragm muscle weakness is a key feature in several chronic conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, and difficult weaning from mechanical ventilation. No drugs are available to improve respiratory muscle function in these patients. Recently, we have shown that the calcium sensitizer levosimendan enhances the force-generating capacity of isolated diaphragm fibers. ⋯ The calcium sensitizer levosimendan improves neuromechanical efficiency and contractile function of the human diaphragm. Our findings suggest a new therapeutic approach to improve respiratory muscle function in patients with respiratory failure.