Prophylactic Use of Levosimendan Versus Milrinone in Open Heart Surgery in Infants (NCT00549107) | Clinical Trial Compass
UnknownPhase 2
Prophylactic Use of Levosimendan Versus Milrinone in Open Heart Surgery in Infants
Austria40 participantsStarted 2007-09
Plain-language summary
Pediatric patients, especially infants undergoing open heart surgery have a predictable fall in cardiac index 6 to 18 hours after surgery, the so-called low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS). Patients, who have LCOS require more monitoring, more medication and a longer stay in intensive care unit. To prevent LCOS the phosphodiesterase inhibitor milrinone is routinely used during the first 24 hours after surgery. Levosimendan, a calcium- sensitizer improves cardiac muscle contractile force, vascular smooth muscle relaxation and coronary blood flow through calcium sensitization of the myocardial contractile filaments and opening of potassium channels without increasing oxygen consumption of the heart muscle cells. As the myocardium of infants is more calcium dependent than in later life, levosimendan should be of special benefit in this age group. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether levosimendan is superior to milrinone in preventing LCOS in infants after corrective open heart surgery.
Who can participate
Age range
1 Day – 12 Months
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age younger than one year
* corrective open heart surgery with biventricular repair, except tetralogy of fallot
Exclusion Criteria:
* Missing written consent of parents
* Weight less than 3 kg
* preoperative LCOS
* gestational age less than 36 weeks
* preexisting renal failure
* preexisting thrombopenia
* preoperative cardiopulmonary resuscitation
* preoperative use of milrinone or levosimendan
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Cardiac output measured by a transesophageal probe