title: Improved cardiac performance with human calcitonin gene related peptide in patients with congestive heart failure.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to assess the cardiovascular effects of human calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) in patients with congestive heart failure.
  
  
  METHODS
  The effects of CGRP II (or beta), 12.5 micrograms.h-1, given by intravenous infusion for 24 h to digitalised patients with congestive heart failure, were assessed by measurement of cardiac functional indices.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five patients (four female) were studied. Age was 73-82 years. Three were in New York Heart Association phase III and two in phase IV.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The pre-ejection period to left ventricular ejection time ratio and the QT distance adjusted for heart rate were lowered by 21% and 4% respectively. The left ventricular shortening index was raised by 43%. The arterial pressure and heart rate did not change consistently.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Calcitonin gene related peptide improves myocardial contractility in patients with congestive heart failure. This is the first time this has been shown.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medical Semeiotics, University of Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gennari
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nami
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Agnusdei
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Fischer
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000503:physiopathology; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical
chemical_list: D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide