Abstract: Abstract： Objective To compare the effects of levosimendan (Levo) and recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Methods Seventy-five patients were included into this randomized positive-controlled and parallel-group study to receive either Levo (Levo group), rhBNP (rhBNP group) or dobutamine therapy (control group). Heart rate, respiratory rate, 24-hour urine volume， improvement in six-minute walktest after 72-h treatment were compared between three groups. The blood level of BNP and values of left ventricular end dia⁃ stolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after one- week treatment were compared between three groups. Results After 72-h treatment, heart rate and respiratory rate were significantly decreased, and 24-hour urine volume, six-minute walk-test were significantly increased in three groups (P < 0.05). The NT-proBNP and LVEF were im⁃ proved after one week treatment (P > 0.05), but the LVEDD was improved barely (P > 0.05). The improvements were more significant in Levo group and rhBNP group compared to those of control group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differenc⁃ es in improvements between Levo group and rhBNP group. The common adverse reactions were hypotension and ventricular premature beats. There were no significant differences in adverse event rates between three groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion As compared with dobutamine, Levo and rhBNP have optimized efficacy, fewer side effects and good safety in the treatment of ADHF. They are worth of clinical application.

Key words: heart failure, levosimendan, recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide, dobutamine, brain natriuretic peptide, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction