Levosimendan in Cardiogenic Shock and Low Cardiac Output Syndrome

Low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) is the most common and the most serious complication after cardiac surgery and is associated with increased rates of morbidity and mortality [1]. This syndrome is characterized by impaired heart function, causing a reduced oxygen delivery with further hypoxia [2]. The universally definition of LCOS includes decreases in the cardiac index (CI) to less than 2.0 L/min/m2 and a systolic blood pressure below 90 mmHg, associated with tissue hypoperfusion (clammy skin, cold periphery, oliguria, elevated lactate level, confusion) in the absence of hypovolemia.