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Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine
Published in: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine 1/2010

Open Access 01-12-2010 | Original research

Effect of levosimendan in experimental verapamil- induced myocardial depression

Authors: Jouni Kurola, Heli Leppikangas, Jarkko Magga, Leena Lindgren, Vesa Kiviniemi, Juha Rutanen, Esko Ruokonen

Published in: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Background

Calcium antagonist overdose can cause severe deterioration of hemodynamics unresponsible to treatment with beta adrenergic inotropes. The aim of the study was to evaluate in an experimental model the effects of levosimendan during severe calcium antagonist intoxication.

Methods

Twelve landrace-pigs were intoxicated with intravenous verapamil at escalating infusion rates. The infusion containing 2.5 mg/ml verapamil was used aiming to a reduction of cardiac output by 40% from the baseline value. Intoxicated pigs were randomized into two groups: control (saline) and levosimendan (intravenous bolus). Inotropic effect was measured as a change in a maximum of the positive slope of the left ventricular pressure (LV dP/dt). The survival and hemodynamics of the animals were followed for 120 min after the targeted reduction of cardiac output.

Results

In the control group, five out of six pigs died during the experiment. In the levosimendan group, one pig died before completion of the experiment (p = 0.04). In the levosimendan group a change in LV dP/dt was positive in four out of six pigs compared to one out of six pigs in the control group (p = ns).

Conclusions

In this experimental model, the use of levosimendan was associated with improved survival.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Effect of levosimendan in experimental verapamil- induced myocardial depression
Authors
Jouni Kurola
Heli Leppikangas
Jarkko Magga
Leena Lindgren
Vesa Kiviniemi
Juha Rutanen
Esko Ruokonen
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
BioMed Central
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-7241-18-12

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