Effects of Levosimendan on Diaphragm Function in Mechanically Ventilated Patients
Status:
Unknown status
Trial end date:
2016-05-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Levosimendan is a relatively new drug that improves cardiac contractility in patients with
heart failure. Its main mechanism of action is enhanced binding of calcium to the myocardial
contractile proteins. Recent data from our lab showed that levosimendan improves
contractility of human diaphragm in vitro (muscle fibers from COPD patient diaphragm) and in
vivo (healthy subjects). Accordingly, levosimendan may appear of value in the treatment of
disorders associated with impaired respiratory muscle function, such as mechanically
ventilated patients.We hypothesize that levosimendan could improve respiratory muscle
function in mechanically ventilated patients commencing a CPAP trial.