Minerva anestesiologica
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Minerva anestesiologica · Apr 2010
Review Meta AnalysisLevosimendan reduces mortality in critically ill patients. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.
Critically ill patients often need catecholamines, but these agents could be associated with an increased risk of death and other adverse cardiac events. Levosimendan is a calcium sensitizer that is able to enhance myocardial contractility without increasing myocardial oxygen use. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the impact of levosimendan on mortality in critically ill patients. ⋯ Levosimendan has cardioprotective effects that could result in a reduced mortality in critically ill patients. A large randomized controlled study is warranted in this setting.