European journal of heart failure
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Eur. J. Heart Fail. · Mar 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialLevosimendan improves renal function in acute decompensated heart failure: possible underlying mechanisms.
The cardio-renal syndrome plays a critical role in acute heart failure (HF). Levosimendan, an inodilator drug, has a positive but controversial effect on kidney. Our aim was to evaluate its effects on both renal and systemic haemodynamic parameters as well as on renal function, explaining the possible mechanisms involved. ⋯ Levosimendan, in acute decompensated HF, has an immediate renoprotective effect, mediated by an increase in renal blood flow, due to a selective renal arterial and venous vasodilating action.