Levosimendan in a neonate with severe coarctation of aorta and low cardiac output syndrome

Abstract

We report successful use of levosimendan after failed balloon angioplasty in a critically ill neonate with coarctation of aorta (CoA) and severe low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS). Treatment with levosimendan improved left heart function, and decreased lactate and brain natriuretic peptide levels. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the safe and successful use of levosimendan in the management of LCOS due to severe CoA in a neonate awaiting surgical repair.

Keywords

• Coarctation of aorta
• Balloon angioplasty
• Brain natriuretic peptide
• Levosimendan
• Low cardiac output syndrome