Vasoactive-inotropic Support and Levosimendan Use After Lung Transplantation

Postoperative Prolonged Vasoactive-inotropic Support and Levosimendan Use After Lung Transplantation: a Retrospective Analysis of Risk Factors and Impact on Outcomes

Bilateral Lung transplantation (LUTX) is performed in selected patients with end-stage respiratory failure. During surgery, pulmonary arteries are sequentially cross-clamped. This can cause acute heart failure and hemodynamic instability that eventually persist into the postoperative period, leading to the need for prolonged vasoactive support in the postoperative Intensive Care Unit. Levosimendan is a relatively new vasoactive-inotropic drug, with different pharmacodynamic properties.

This observational retrospective cohort study primarily aims 1) to describe the need for prolonged vasoactive support; 2) to evaluate the risk factors for prolonged vasoactive support; 3) to assess the impact of prolonged vasoactive support on outcomes. The secondary aim is to describe the use of Levosimendan in this cohort of patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

Intensive Care Unit admission after Double Lung Transplant surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. single Lung Transplantation;
2. re-transplantation.