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Reducing mortality in cardiac surgery with levosimendan: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Giovanni Landoni1, Anna Mizzi, Giuseppe Biondi-Zoccai

  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Istituto Scientifico San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60, Milano 20132, Italy. landoni.giovanni@hsr.it

Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia
|August 25, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Levosimendan significantly reduced postoperative mortality in cardiac surgery patients. This drug demonstrates cardioprotective effects, suggesting potential benefits for surgical outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Cardiac surgery carries significant risks, including postoperative mortality and complications.
  • Levosimendan is a medication used to improve cardiac contractility and reduce preload and afterload.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between levosimendan use and survival in patients undergoing cardiac surgery through a meta-analysis.

Main Methods:

  • A meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled studies involving 440 cardiac surgery patients.
  • Searched BioMedCentral and PubMed for relevant studies comparing levosimendan to control groups.
  • Primary endpoint was postoperative mortality.

Main Results:

  • Levosimendan significantly reduced postoperative mortality (odds ratio = 0.35; p=0.003).
  • Associated with reduced cardiac troponin release and atrial fibrillation.
  • No significant differences observed in myocardial infarction, renal failure, or duration of ventilation/hospital stay.

Conclusions:

  • Levosimendan exhibits cardioprotective effects, potentially lowering postoperative mortality in cardiac surgery.
  • Further large-scale randomized controlled trials are recommended to confirm these findings.
Abstract

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