Growth hormone therapy in heart failure: a novel therapy worthy of further consideration?
Despite the improvements in survival with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers, the clinical events for patients with heart failure remain elevated. New therapies for heart failure are required to improve the functional capacity, quality of life and prognosis. Growth hormone exerts both direct and indirect effects on cardiac structure and function. Experimental models of heart failure and small studies have demonstrated significant improvements in cardiac function, haemodynamical parameters, functional capacity and quality of life. The results from randomised controlled studies have been mixed with others showing benefit and some that do not. The randomised studies showing benefit consistently used growth hormone every other day. Further studies are needed to assess the potential role of this adjuvant therapy in patients with heart failure.
Demers
Catherine
C
HHS-General Division, Hamilton. Ontario.
McKelvie
Robert S
RS
D000277:Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000639:trends
D000277:Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic; D013006:Growth Hormone