Hypothermia treatment improves post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction and survival outcome under levosimendan support in an animal model

Abstract

Background: Myocardial dysfunction is one of the major causes leading mortality in the post-cardiac arrest period. Levosimendan improves the post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction by maintaining the sensitivity of myocardium to calcium stimulation and mitochondria integrity. Targeted temperature management has been a standard treatment for post-cardiac arrest care. However, the effect of levosimendan on hypothermia treatment remains unclear.