Growth hormone deficiency in patients with chronic heart failure and beneficial effects of its correction.
BACKGROUND
A reduced activity of the GH/IGF-I axis in chronic heart failure (CHF) has been described by several independent groups and is associated with poor clinical status and outcome.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of GH deficiency in a patient population with CHF and evaluate the cardiovascular effects of GH replacement therapy.


METHODS
The randomized, single-blind, controlled trial was conducted at the Federico II University.


METHODS
One hundred fifty-eight patients with CHF, New York Heart Association class II-IV, underwent a GH stimulation test. Sixty-three patients satisfied the criteria for GH deficiency, and 56 of them were enrolled in the trial.


METHODS
The treated group (n = 28) received GH at a replacement dose of 0.012 mg/kg every second day (approximately 2.5 IU).


METHODS
Changes in physical performance and various cardiovascular indexes were measured.


RESULTS
GH replacement therapy improved quality of life score (from 46 +/- 5 to 38 +/- 4; P < 0.01), increased peak oxygen uptake and exercise duration (from 12.9 +/- .9 to 14.5 +/- 1 ml/kg x min and from 520 +/- 36 to 586 +/- 43 sec, respectively; P < 0.01), and flow-mediated vasodilation (from 8.8 +/- 1.3 to 12.7 +/- 1.2%; P < 0.01). GH increased left ventricular ejection fraction (from 34 +/- 2 to 36 +/- 2%; P < 0.01) and reduced circulating N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels (from 3201 +/- 900 to 2177 +/- 720 pg/ml; P = 0.006). No significant changes from baseline were observed in controls.


CONCLUSIONS
As many as 40% of patients with CHF are GH deficient. GH replacement therapy in these patients improves exercise capacity, vascular reactivity, left ventricular function, and indices of quality of life.
Cittadini
Antonio
A
Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Sciences, University Federico II, Via Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy. antonio.cittadini@unina.it
Saldamarco
Lavinia
L
Marra
Alberto Maria
AM
Arcopinto
Michele
M
Carlomagno
Guido
G
Imbriaco
Massimo
M
Del Forno
Domenico
D
Vigorito
Carlo
C
Merola
Bartolomeo
B
Oliviero
Ugo
U
Fazio
Serafino
S
Saccà
Luigi
L
D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000523:psychology; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood; D011788:Quality of Life; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left
D010446:Peptide Fragments; C109794:pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76); D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; D019382:Human Growth Hormone; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I