METHODS	Twenty-six advanced CHF patients ( mean New York Heart Association class , 2.6 + / -0.3 ; ischemic/dilated , 18/8 ; mean left ventricular ejection fraction < 35 % ) hospitalized due to syndrome worsening , were randomized ( 2:1 ) to receive either a 24-h levosimendan infusion of 0.1 microg/kg/min ( n = 17 ) or placebo ( n = 9 ) .\