Abstract
Background: Neonates are at particular risk of suffering surgery-related LCOS, characterized by impaired myocardial contractility and the peripheral effects of ischemia/reperfusion on endothelium. INDs are strongly recommended although based on suboptimal studies.
Aims: Systematic approach to dose-dependent haemodynamic effects of continuous i.v. infusion of Milrinone (MR) and Levosimendan (LEVO), starting before cardiopulmonary bypass.
Methods: Intervention (first 48h, blinded): step- increase in INDs dose (D1: intraoperatively; D2: on NICU admission; D3: 2h - 48 h from admission). INDs withdrawal: LEVO at 48 h ; MR beyond 48h as per attending physician criteria. Continuous, time-locked physiological and near-infrared spectroscopy (cerebral-NIRSc/thigh-NIRSp) data recording during the first 24h (T-1), at 48h (T-2) and 96h (T-3) post-surgery. Blood samples for biochemistry and pharmacokinetics (PKs). Serial echocardiography and cranial-Doppler ultrasound studies.
Results: 20 infants [postnatal age: MR, 13 (10) days; LEVO, 15 (9) days] were randomized [(MR=9; D1 0.5- D2 0.75- D3 1mg/k/min ); (LEVO=11; D1 0.1- D2 0.15- D3 0.2mg/k/min)]. MR showed lower pH and higher glycemia and more need for other inotropes during the first hours post-surgery. MR and LEVO showed no differences in time-related changes on NIRSc (increased tissue oxygenation) or blood pressure (decreased diastolic pressure) in T-1. However, groups differed in NIRSc-derived variables from T-1 to T-3. INDs withdrawal at T-3 was 37% in MR vs 91% in LEVO. PKs (LEVO and metabolites) were successfully analyzed.
Conclusions: LEVO is well tolerated in critically ill neonates. Potential advantages of LEVO related to dose regimen.
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Pellicer, A., Riera, J., Lopez-Ortego, P. et al. Prevention of Low Cardiac Output Syndrome (LCOS) in Neonates Undergoing Open Heart Surgery: a Pilot-Phase Ii Study About the Equivalence of Two Inodilators (INDS). Pediatr Res 70 (Suppl 5), 10 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/pr.2011.235
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/pr.2011.235