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Improved cardiac performance with human calcitonin gene related peptide in patients with congestive heart failure
C Gennari1, R Nami, D Agnusdei
1Institute of Medical Semeiotics, University of Siena, Italy.
Study 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.
Design:
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.
Patients:
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.
Measurements And Main 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.
Conclusion:
Calcitonin gene related peptide improves myocardial contractility in patients with congestive heart failure. This is the first time this has been shown.