Effect of Levosimendan on Respiratory Muscle Function in Healthy Subjects

Pilot Study on the Effects of Levosimendan on in Vivo Respiratory Muscle Function in Healthy Subjects

The purpose of this study is to investigate if levosimendan improves contractile performance of the diaphragm in healthy subjects.

Inclusion Criteria:

• informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• use of any prescript medication
• chronic hiccups
• pre-existent muscle disease (congenital or acquired) or diseases / disorders know to be associated with myopathy including diabetes and auto-immune diseases.
• pre-existent lung disease
• pre-existent cardiac disease (based on history, electrocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography)
• pregnancy, breast feeding
• upper airway / esophageal pathology
• phrenic nerve lesions
• any metals in body (pacemaker, splinters, metal stiches)