Levosimendan Infusion in Critically Ill Patients With Cardiogenic Shock

Cardiogenic Shock or the state of systemic hypoxia albeit initially preserved intra-vascular volume and intact vascular function, is solely the result of insufficient cardiac output [1-2]. The ensuing centralization and redistribution of blood-volume, is induced by a stimulation of the renin-angiotensin system, as well as vasopressin and endogenous catecholamine liberation [2-3]. Precipitating Cardiogenic Shock has a direct effect on the kidney, also called the cardiorenal syndrome [4].

The overall consensus for the therapy of cardiogenic shock is the use of inotropes to increase cardiac output and reverse organ hypoxia [2], nevertheless their increase of myocardial and glomerular oxygen consumption make them a double edged sword to use in cardiogenic shock and more prominently in cardiogenic shock coupled with pronounced cardiorenal syndrome.

Levosimendan is an inotropic agent that was developed for the treatment of severely decompensated heart failure. It exerts its inotropic effects primarily through sensitizing Troponin C to calcium and thereby increasing contraction of cardiac myofilaments during systole [5]. Unlike other inotropic agents, Levosimendan acts independently of the beta adrenergic receptor [5]. Additionally, the effect of Levosimendan could be beneficial for the kidneys function by decreasing pre-glomerular arteriolar vasotonus whilst keeping post-glomerular arteriolar vasotonus constant [6].

In light of the scarce but promising literature the question arises if Levosimendan can safely ameliorate cardiac and renal function concomitantly in patients presenting the combination of cardiogenic shock and cardiorenal syndrome.