Levosimendan in asphyxia-induced cardiac arrest model

Abstract

Objectives: We hypothesized in this study that levosimendan could be used as a single agent in asphyxiarelated cardiac arrest resuscitation in experimental rabbit model. Patients and Methods: Fourteen New Zealand white rabbits were intubated with 3F intubation tube. Pancuronium bromide (0.2 mg/kg) was administered intravenously. The lungs were ventilated with tidal volume 8 ml/kg, frequency 38 /min; PEEP 1 cmH2O, FiO2 0.21. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was carried out after four minutes of cardiac arrest. Animals were randomized to either control or levosimendan groups. Baseline arterial blood gases, heart rates, systolic and diastolic arterial pressures, and post-resuscitation heart rates, systolic and diastolic arterial pressures, blood gas analysis and troponin I levels after 30 minutes of return of spontaneous circulation were recorded. Results: Baseline data was similar in the groups. There were five animals which responded to CPR in both groups. Blood gas analysis, heart rates in the 30th minute and CPR times of the animals were similar in the groups. Blood pressures were significantly higher in levosimendan-treated group (p<0.05). Myocardial injury demonstrated by troponin I levels was similar in the groups. Conclusion: Levosimendan alone may not be used as a resuscitation agent in asphyxia-induced cardiac arrest, but it has positive effects on maintenance of arterial pressures. © Medical Journal of Trakya University. Published by Ekin Medical Publishing. All rights reserved.