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Impact of levosimendan on platelet function

Joanna Sikora1, Krzysztof Pstrągowski2, Natalia Skibińska2

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland.

Thrombosis Research
|October 9, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Levosimendan, used for severe heart failure, has a dual action affecting heart muscle contractility and blood vessel dilation. This review examines its impact on platelet function, with mixed findings in current research.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Levosimendan is a drug developed for severe heart failure.
  • Its hemodynamic effects stem from increased myocardial contractility and vasodilation.
  • Potential phosphodiesterase III inhibition may contribute to its action.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and critically discuss the impact of levosimendan on platelet function.
  • To consolidate current knowledge from experimental, observational, and clinical studies.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of existing literature.
  • Critical analysis of experimental, observational, and randomized clinical studies.

Main Results:

  • Existing reports on levosimendan's effect on platelet function are contradictory, indirect, or inconclusive.
  • Further investigation is needed to clarify its anti-aggregatory effects.

Conclusions:

  • The precise impact of levosimendan on platelet aggregation remains unclear.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate levosimendan's effects on platelet function.

Keywords:
Anti-aggregatory effectLevosimendanPlatelet functionPlatelets

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