Lack of effects of recombinant human growth hormone in a child with a complex cardiovascular malformation and dilated cardiomyopathy.
Recent studies have suggested the beneficial effects of GH treatment in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. We have treated with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) a 6-year-old female with a complex congenital heart defect (severe tricuspid hypoplasia and malposition of the great arteries), who developed a progressive dilated cardiomyopathy of unknown etiology. rhGH treatment (0,1 U/kg/day, for 3 months) did not improve cardiac function, nor clinical symptoms, although we have no clear explanations for this. However, a trial with rhGH may be offered to children with dilated cardiomyopathy and waiting for heart transplantation.
Rosti
L
L
Cardiologia/Cardiochirurgia Pediatrica, Centro "E. Malan", Ospedale San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milano, Italy.
Cerini
E
E
Festa
P
P
Miola
A
A
Brunelli
V
V
Frigiola
A
A
D000365:Age Determination by Skeleton; D002311:Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000503:physiopathology; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests; D014188:Transposition of Great Vessels / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D014261:Tricuspid Valve / Q000002:abnormalities; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color
D019382:Human Growth Hormone