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Growth Hormone Deficiency in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure and Beneficial Effects of Its Correction

Departments of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Sciences (A.C., L.Sal., A.M.M., M.A., G.C., D.D.F., C.V., U.O., S.F., L.Sac.), Radiology (M.I.), and Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology (B.M.), University Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Antonio Cittadini, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Sciences, Via Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy. E-mail: antonio.cittadini{at}unina.it.

Context: 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.

Design and Setting: The randomized, single-blind, controlled trial was conducted at the Federico II University.

Participants: 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.

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

Main Outcomes Measures: 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 · 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.