Perioperative Application of Levosimendan Optimizes Postoperative Renal Function and Organ Perfusion in Patients with Severe Heart Failure

Abstract

Background: Renal dysfunction and impaired organ perfusion are common concerns following cardiac surgery. Levosimendan, a calcium sensitizer inotropic drug, is investigated in this study for its potential to improve postoperative renal function and organ perfusion in patients with low preoperative ejection fraction and severe myocardial dysfunction after cardiac surgery. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 314 patients with preoperative heart failure who underwent cardiac surgery. Among them, 184 patients received perioperative adjunctive therapy with levosimendan, while 130 patients with similar characteristics received conventional treatment. Results: The perioperative administration of levosimendan resulted in a significantly lower need for renal replacement therapy (p < 0.001) and improvements in the serum creatinine levels, glomerular filtration rate, and creatinine clearance. Similarly, the C-reactive protein levels, blood pH, and lactic acid levels showed comparable improvements. Conclusions: The use of levosimendan was associated with a significant enhancement in postoperative renal function and a reduction in the need for renal replacement therapy. Furthermore, it resulted in a decrease in the extent of organ malperfusion. Postoperative inflammatory reactions and metabolic balance also exhibited improvements.