Effects of Levosimendan on Glomerular Filtration Rate, Renal Blood Flow, and Renal Oxygenation After Cardiac Surgery With Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Abstract

After cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, levosimendan induces a vasodilation, preferentially of preglomerular resistance vessels, increasing both renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate without jeopardizing renal oxygenation. Due to its pharmacodynamic profile, levosimendan might be an interesting alternative for treatment of postoperative heart failure complicated by acute kidney injury in postcardiac surgery patients.