Breaking Boundaries: Novel Effects of Levosimendan in Various Diseases

Abstract

Review Breaking Boundaries: Novel Effects of Levosimendan in Various Diseases Hongyuan Zhang 1, Minxing Zhao 2, and Yanrong Liu 1,3,* 1 Michael Smith building, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, M139PT Manchester, UK. 2 Loreto High School, Chorlt on, M217SW Manchester, UK. 3 The Department of Cardiology, the 1st Affiliated Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, China. * Correspondence: yanrong.liu@manchester.ac.uk     Received: 6 February 2024 Accepted: 23 February 2024 Published: 18 March 2024   Abstract: Levosimendan, an inodilator that has been applied in clinical use for over two decades, has transcended its initial indication in the management of acutely decompensated chronic heart failure. Over the years, it has been adopted in septic shock, perioperative use of cardiac surgery, advanced end-stage heart failure, and has shown potential for inhaled administration, highlighting its versatility. Levosimendan has diverse mechanisms of action which mediate its non-traditional uses. Ongoing research aims to expand our understanding and develop personalized treatment strategies for the use of levosimendan. The significance of levosimendan in acute decompensated heart failure and cardiogenic shock, highlights its evolving role in contemporary cardiovascular medicine. This comprehensive review explores its pharmacodynamics, effects, and the challenges and opportunities it presents in various clinical settings. We describe levosimedan’s expanding usage, ranging from septic shock, intermittent intravenous in advanced heart failure, perioperative cardiac surgery and pulmonary hypertension management by inhaled levosimendan as well as its future prospects.