Left ventricular mass and function in children with GH deficiency before and during 12 months GH replacement therapy

OBJECTIVE: This open, prospective study was designed to evaluate the effect of GH deficiency (GHD) on left ventricular (LV) mass (LVM) and performance, by echocardiography, and on lipid profile during childhood. SUBJECTS: Twelve prepubertal children with GHD (eight boys and four girls) aged 8.1 +/- 1.7 years were studied before and after 6 and 12 months of GH replacement therapy at a dose of GH of 30 micro g/kg/day. Twelve healthy children sex-, height-, weight- and body surface area-matched with the patients, served as controls. METHODS: Echocardiography was performed at study entry and after 12 months both in GHD children and in controls. Only in GHD children, echocardiography was repeated also after 6 months of GH replacement. In all subjects, we measured LV posterior wall thickness (LVPWT), LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), LVM index (LVMi), LV systolic and diastolic function. RESULTS: At study entry, LVPWT (5.3 +/- 0.8 vs. 6.2 +/- 1.1 mm, P < 0.05), LVEDD (34.0 +/- 2.4 vs. 36.7 +/- 2.1 mm, P < 0.007) and LVMi (47.0 +/- 6.9 vs. 59.6 +/- 9.5 g/m2, P < 0.005) were significantly lower in GHD children than in controls. Lipid profile, heart rate, blood pressure, LV systolic function and indices of ventricular filling were similar in patients and controls. After 12 months of GH replacement therapy, LVPWT (6.1 +/- 0.7 mm, P < 0.0005), LVEDD (38.8 +/- 4.3 mm, P < 0.002) and LVMi (71.5 +/- 12.7 g/m2, P < 0.0005) significantly increased in GHD children compared to pretreatment values. In particular, after 12 months of therapy GHD children achieved a normal LVMi when compared to controls (60.7 +/- 8.6, P = ns). LVMi increase was significantly correlated with the increase in IGF-I level (r = 0.49; P < 0.004). LV systolic performance, diastolic filling and blood pressure did not change significantly during GH therapy. After 12 months of treatment, the atherogenic index, measured as total/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio (2.7 +/- 0.8) was significantly lower than both pretreatment (3.4 +/- 0.3, P < 0.03) and control values (3.8 +/- 1.1, P < 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: GH deficiency in children affects heart morphology, by inducing a significant decrease in cardiac size, but does not modify cardiac function and lipid profile. Twelve months of GH replacement treatment normalizes cardiac mass, and reduces the atherogenic index.     

Effects of one year of recombinant human growth hormone (GH) therapy on cardiac mass and function in children with classical GH deficiency

Cardiac mass and function were evaluated in 10 children with classical GH deficiency. Echocardiograms were performed at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months after initiation of recombinant human (rh) GH therapy (0.3 mg/kg.wk). Before treatment, left ventricular (LV) mass indexed to body surface area (BSA) was low or low normal (<50 g/m(2)) in five children compared with reference control data. Height SD score (-3.2 +/- 0.9 vs. -1.8 +/- 1.3 yr; P < 0.01), growth velocity SD score (-2.7 +/- 1.6 vs. 5.8 +/- 3.1; P < 0.01), LV mass (36 +/- 9 vs. 60 +/- 30 g; P < 0.02), LV mass/BSA (51 +/- 12 vs. 72 +/- 11 g/m(2); P < 0.01), LV mass/height (36 +/- 9 vs. 54 +/- 15 g/m; P < 0.02), and LV mass/m(2.7) (36 +/- 12 vs. 45 +/- 8; P < 0.05) increased significantly with rhGH therapy. Pretreatment LV mass/BSA correlated inversely with fold increase in LV mass/BSA over the year (r = -0.83; P < 0.01). Load-dependent indices of diastolic performance were normal at baseline and did not change with rhGH therapy. Percentage increase of mean velocity of circumferential shortening, an index of systolic function, correlated with fold increase in LV mass/BSA (r = 0.88; P < 0.02) over the year of rhGH administration. LV mass can be lower than predicted for body size in some children with severe GH deficiency but is responsive to rhGH replacement. LV mass/BSA increases into the normal range during the first year of rhGH therapy. The rate of increase of LV mass is greater than the increase in BSA during rhGH treatment, suggesting that GH could also be a trophic factor for the heart.     

左心室双部位双心室同步起搏两例

常规的心脏再同步治疗（cardiac resynchronization,CRT）是通过将右心房、右心室和左心室导线分别放置在右心耳、右心室心尖部（或问隔部）及心脏后或侧后静脉内来实现的。新近左心室双部位起搏（dualsite left ventficular pacing）逐渐引起人们的关注并开始应用于临床,国内尚罕见报道。现报道本中心植入的2例。     

Impact of recombinant human erythropoietin treatment on left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiac function in dialysis patients.

The results of anemia correction by recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) therapy with regard to cardiac function and left ventricular hypertrophy in dialysis patients are controversially discussed. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of therapy rHuEPO on cardiac morphology and function in dialysis patients. We studied 11 clinically stable hemodialysis patients with severe renal anemia (hematocrit <27%) and increased left ventricular mass index (LVMi) with no history of coronary or valvular heart disease, systemic disease, severe hyperparathyroidism, hypertension stage 2 or higher, transfusion-dependent anemia, and concurrent rHuEPO treatment. The patients were treated with rHuEPO administered subcutaneously once or twice weekly at a mean dose of 80 +/- 31 IU/kg week until the hematocrit was >30% and underwent a complete Doppler echocardiographic study at baseline and at follow-up (after 12.2 +/- 2.9 months). At follow-up, ejection fraction and fractional shortening significantly increased from 62.7 +/- 13.8 to 67.8 +/- 9. 7% (p < 0.05) and from 35.5 +/- 9.8 to 39.4 +/- 7.1% (p < 0.05), respectively, whereas mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening demonstrated a trend towards amelioration from 1.18 +/- 0. 23 to 1.27 +/- 0.27 circ/s (n.s.). LVMi and morphological data remained unchanged throughout the study. Nevertheless, LVMi changes showed two different behaviors with respect to baseline values: in 6 patients with higher baseline values, LVMi decreased from 229 +/- 36 to 191 +/- 45 g/m2 (p < 0.05), while it worsened in 5 patients with less marked LVMi, increasing from 141 +/- 32 to 186 +/- 40 g/m2 (p < 0.05). Our data demonstrate that partial correction of renal anemia with rHuEPO therapy seems to improve cardiac performance and to induce a regression of left ventricular hypertrophy, particularly in patients with greater baseline hypertrophy, ultimately confirming the multifactorial pathogenesis of left ventricular hypertrophy.     

Assessment of heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction after cardiac pacing in patients with preserved left ventricular systolic function

BACKGROUND: There is an accumulating data suggesting the deleterious effects of right ventricular pacing on left ventricular performance. Such pacing mimics left bundle branch block resulting in a prolonged QRS duration and causes ventricular asynchrony. AIMS: The purpose of this study is to assess heart failure and left ventricular systolic function after cardiac pacemaker implantation in patients with atrioventricular block and preserved systolic left ventricular function. Secondly, we sought to search for predictive factors of developing left ventricular dysfunction after pacing. METHODS: In this prospective study, we included patients who had been implanted for at least six months. They underwent medical history and examination, 12 leads electrocardiogram and echocardiography before pacemaker implantation and when attending to routine pacemaker follow up. RESULTS: Forty-three patients (22 men and 21 women, age 71+/-12 years) were included in this study. Twenty-nine patients had DDD pacing and 14 VVI pacing. The ventricular lead was implanted in the apex in all patients. After a median follow up of 18+/-11 months, 11 patients (25%) developed signs of congestive heart failure. NYHA was higher after implantation (1.64+/-0.7 versus 2.27+/-0.8, p>0.00001). Left ventricular ejection fraction decreased significantly during follow up (60+/-6% versus 51+/-13%, p=0.0002). Eleven (25%) patients developed left ventricular dysfunction. We compared patients who had left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF) less or equal to 40% (group A) and patients having LV EF greater than 40% (group B) after implantation. Patients in group A had a paced QRS width significantly larger than group B (181+/-32 ms versus 151+/-26 ms, p=0.002), a significantly prolonged intra left ventricular electromechanical delay (115+/-59 ms versus 45+/-35 ms, p<0.0001) and interventricular delay (44+/-29 ms versus 27+/-18 ms, p=0.02). Age, sex, diabetes hypertension, pacing mode and percentage of ventricular pacing were similar in both groups. A paced QRS width of 180 ms had the best sensitivity and specificity for detecting left ventricular dysfunction: sensitivity=54% and specificity=93%, p=0.01, area under the curve=0.75. CONCLUSION: Patients with atrioventricular block and preserved left ventricular systolic function at baseline decrease significantly left ventricular ejection fraction after pacing. Induced ventricular asynchronism plays a major role in the deterioration of left ventricular function. Prolonged paced QRS width is a good predictor of left ventricular dysfunction after pacing. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these data.     

辛伐他汀对心力衰竭患者心脏功能及左心室重构的影响

目的观察小剂量辛伐他汀对心力衰竭患者心脏功能及左心室重构的影响。方法选取2008年1月至2009年7月东莞市人民医院确诊为非缺血性心力衰竭的患者61例为研究对象。按电脑随机数字表法将入选对象分为观察组（n=30）与对照组（n=31）,观察组在标准心力衰竭治疗基础上加服辛伐他汀（20mg／d,治疗期6个月）。比较两组治疗前后患者心脏功能、生化指标的变化。结果经过6个月的治疗,观察组纽约心脏协会心功能分级[（2．0±0．4）级vs．（2．5±0．4）级,P〈0．01]和左心室射血分数（58．7％±5．2％眠43．0％±5．7％,P〈0．01）显著改善,差异有统计学意义;对照组纽约心脏协会心功能改善,差异有统计学意义[（2．1±0．4）级vs．（2．4±0．4）级,P〈0．05];左心室射血分数有改善的趋势,但差异无统计学意义（47．6％±5．3％vs．40．9％±6．3％,P=0．052）。结论非缺血性心力衰竭患者在标准心力衰竭治疗的基础上加用辛伐他汀治疗安全、有效,可显著改善该类患者左心室重构与心功能状态。     

左心室质量及几何模式对左心室功能的影响

目的 探讨左心室质量(LVM)及几何模式对左心室功能的影响。方法 根据相对室壁厚度(RWT)>0.43和≤0.43将170例高血压患者分为向心性模式组和离心性模式组,分别作超声心动图检测。结果 向心性模式组的EF明显高于离心性模式组,而前者E、E/A明显低于后者。单变量及多变量回归分析均显示EF与LVM及RWT相关,E/A在单变量分析时与RWT呈非常显著负相关,但在多变量分析时被剔出。结论 LVM及几何模式的改变均对左心室收缩功能产生明显的损害,几何模式的变化可能对左心室舒张功能也会产生不利影响。     

重组促红细胞生成素对慢性肾衰竭患者左心室重量和结构的影响

目的　观察用重组促红细胞生成素 (rHuEPO)改善贫血后对慢性肾衰竭患者左室重量和结构的影响。方法　将 2 4例慢性肾衰竭患者分为透析前组 (Ⅰ组 )和维持血透组 (Ⅱ组 ) ,在rHuEPO治疗前及治疗 4月后行血红蛋白 (Hb)测定和心脏超声检查。结果　rHuEPO治疗后Hb显著升高 (Ⅰ组 68g/L± 10 g/Lvs 10 1g/L± 11g/L ,Ⅱ组 67g/L± 6g/Lvs 94g/L± 8g/L ,P <0 .0 5 ) ;左室重量指数 (LVMI)显著下降 (Ⅰ组 185 .6± 44 .6vs 15 8.3± 44 .1,Ⅱ组 15 8.0± 2 6.9vs13 1.6± 2 2 .1,P <0 .0 5 ) ;两组左室收缩期末内径 (LVESD)及舒张期末内径 (LVEDD )均较治疗前显著下降 (P <0 .0 5 )。相关分析显示 ,Hb与左室重量和结构相关 ,贫血参与了左室肥厚 (LVH )的发生。结论　rHuEPO可引起LVMI下降 ,rHuEPO纠正贫血 ,有利于左室重量及结构异常的好转     

Pulmonary function in patients with reduced left ventricular function: influence of smoking and cardiac surgery.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The impact of stable, chronic heart failure on baseline pulmonary function remains controversial. Confounding influences include previous coronary artery bypass or valve surgery (CABG), history of obesity, stability of disease, and smoking history. DESIGN: To control for some of the variables affecting pulmonary function in patients with chronic heart failure, we analyzed data in four patient groups, all with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction (LV ejection fraction [LVEF] < or =35%): (1) chronic heart failure, nonsmokers, no CABG (n = 78); (2) chronic heart failure, nonsmokers, CABG (n = 46); (3) chronic heart failure, smokers, no CABG (n = 40); and (4) chronic heart failure, smokers, CABG (n = 48). Comparisons were made with age- and gender-matched patients with a history of coronary disease but no LV dysfunction or smoking history (control subjects, n = 112) and to age-predicted norms. RESULTS: Relative to control subjects and percent-predicted values, all groups with chronic heart failure had reduced lung volumes (total lung capacity [TLC] and vital capacity [VC]) and expiratory flows (p < 0.05). CABG had no influence on lung volumes and expiratory flows in smokers, but resulted in a tendency toward a reduced TLC and VC in nonsmokers. Smokers with chronic heart failure had reduced expiratory flows compared to nonsmokers (p < 0.05), indicating an additive effect of smoking. Diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was reduced in smokers and in subjects who underwent CABG, but not in patients with chronic heart failure alone. There was no relationship between LV size and pulmonary function in this population, although LV function (cardiac index and stroke volume) was weakly associated with lung volumes and DLCO. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that patients with chronic heart failure have primarily restrictive lung changes with smoking causing a further reduction in expiratory flows.     

心肌淀粉样变患者左心室功能的评价

目的应用超声心动图的常规参数及二维斑点追踪成像评价心肌淀粉样变患者的左心室功能的改变。方法入选2006年9月至2014年11月在北京协和医院住院期间诊断为心肌淀粉样变(CA)的患者50例,根据LVEF分为CA(LVEF<50%)组(29例)和CA(LVEF≥50%)组(21例),以健康体检者41例为对照组。收集临床病历资料,进行超声心动图常规参数测定及二维斑点追踪成像分析。结果 CA(LVEF<50%)组较CA(LVEF≥50%)组左心房收缩末内径[(43.72±4.89)mm比(37.43±6.82)mm,P<0.01]、左心室舒张末内径[(45.10±6.23)mm比(39.33±4.12)mm,P<0.01]、左心室收缩末容积[42(37~59)ml比17(14~24)ml,P<0.01]和舒张末容积[72(63~106)ml比50(46~62)ml,P<0.01]及脑钠肽水平[664(327~1 338)ng/L比308(179~461)ng/L,P=0.04]明显升高。CA(LVEF<50%)组左心室整体收缩期纵向峰值应变(GLS)、径向峰值应变(GRS)以及圆周峰值应变(GCS)的绝对值小于CA(LVEF≥50%)组及健康对照组[GLS:(-8.46±3.94)比(-13.77±4.05)比(-19.77±2.65);GRS:(15.32±10.00)比(25.18±14.02)比(35.18±12.18);GCS:(-10.18±4.52)比(-18.09±6.56)比(-19.00±3.51);均为P<0.05];CA(LVEF≥50%)组的GLS与GRS绝对值小于健康对照组(均为P<0.05),而GCS与健康对照组差异无统计学意义(P=0.56)。结论 CA患者可逐渐出现左心室整体收缩功能异常及左心重构,二维斑点追踪成像表明LVEF正常的部分CA患者已存在心肌收缩功能减低。     

美托洛尔对缺血性心脏病心力衰竭患者心室重塑和心功能的影响

目的探讨美托洛尔对缺血性心脏病心力衰竭患者心室重塑及心功能的影响.方法缺血性心脏病心力衰竭患者80例,左室射血分数≤45%,心功能(NYHA)Ⅱ-Ⅳ级,常规治疗基础上随机分为治疗组和对照组.治疗6个月,观察美托洛尔对心室重塑、心功能的影响.应用心脏彩色超声仪测定基线值及1个月、3个月、6个月左室结构及功能指标变化.结果美托洛尔平均用量为(39.8±13.8) mg/d.经过6个月治疗,美托洛尔治疗组症状和心功能改善,与对照组比较左室射血分数上升[(48.1±2.5)%vs(39.5±2.74)%, P=0.002]、左室收缩末容积下降[(163.50±45.00) mlvs (181.10±44.00)ml, P=0.042];与基线比较左室舒张末容积下降(P<0.05);但两组间尚无统计学差异.结论在强心、利尿、血管紧张素转化酶抑制剂基础上,应用美托洛尔能显著改善缺血性心脏病心力衰竭患者的心功能,改善心室重塑.长期应用可改善衰竭心脏心肌细胞的生物学效应,这种有益的作用在不同心功能级别间无显著性差异.     

The association of thyroid function with cardiac mass and left ventricular hypertrophy

Decreased serum TSH levels predict cardiovascular mortality, which could be explained by left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The aim of this analysis was to investigate the association between thyroid function and LVH. The population-based Study of Health in Pomerania was conducted in a previously iodine-deficient area. Data of 1510 individuals at least 45 yr of age with echocardiography and without thyroid disorders were analyzed. LVH was defined as a left ventricular mass index (LVMI) exceeding 150 g/m(2) (men) or 120 g/m(2) (women). Overt hyperthyroidism was associated with LVMI (P < 0.01), whereas euthyroid subjects and those with elevated TSH levels did not significantly differ with regard to LVMI. LVH was observed in three (15.0%) subjects with elevated serum TSH levels, in 127 (10.5%) euthyroid persons, in 24 (12.5%) individuals with decreased serum TSH levels, and in four (57.1%) subjects with hyperthyroidism (P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis identified overt hyperthyroidism as an independent risk factor for LVH (odds ratio, 13.65; 95% confidence interval, 2.83-65.75; P < 0.01). There is an association between thyroid function status, cardiac mass, and LVH. Hyperthyroidism is an independent risk factor for LVH.     

心脏再同步化起搏治疗对慢性充血性心力衰竭患者心脏重构的影响

目的观察心脏再同步化起搏治疗(cardiac resynchronization therapy,CRT)对慢性充血性心力哀竭(chronic congestive heart failure,CHF)患者心脏重构的影响。方法入选21例CHF患者中扩张型心肌病13例,缺血型心肌病8例。所有患者符合CRT指南的Ⅰ类适应证。观察患者行CRT术后6个月及12个月左室射血分数(LVEF)、左室舒张末内径(LVDD)、左室收缩末内径(LVDS)、左室舒张末期容积(LVEDV)、左室收缩末期容积(LVESV)及左心房内径(LAD)的变化。结果 CRT术后6个月和12个月LVEF较术前显著增加(P0.05);LVDD、LVDS、LVEDV、LVESV及LAD较术前显著减少(P0.05)。术后12个月与术后6个月比较,以上指标差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 CRT术后6个月即可显著逆转CHF患者左室心肌重构,提高射血分数。     

Reverse of left ventricular volumetric and structural remodeling in heart failure patients treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy

Patients with heart failure and mechanical dyssynchrony suffer a progressive increase in left ventricular (LV) mass and asymmetrical regional hypertrophy with eventual poor prognosis. The present study sought to investigate whether cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) could reverse these abnormalities. The study included 66 consecutive heart failure patients who received CRT. All patients underwent serial evaluation before, 3 months after, and 12 months after CRT. At 12 months after CRT, 50 patients (76%) were echocardiographic volumetric responders, defined as a >15% reduction in LV end-systolic volume. LV end-systolic volume was decreased from 214 +/- 97 ml to 179 +/- 88 ml at 3 months and was further decreased to 158 +/- 86 ml at 12 months after CRT (all p <0.01). LV ejection fraction was improved from 18% +/- 4% to 28% +/- 7% (p <0.001) at 3 months without further change at 12 months after CRT. LV mass was reduced from 242 +/- 52 g to 222 +/- 45 g at 3 months and was further reduced to 206 +/- 50 g at 12 months after CRT (all p <0.01). Improvement of LV geometry was seen as improvements of the end-diastolic (1.64 +/- 0.14 vs 1.77 +/- 0.17, p <0.001) and the end-systolic (1.63 +/- 0.14 vs 1.99 +/- 0.22, p <0.001) sphericity indexes, respectively, at 3 months, without further significant changes at 12 months after CRT. Volumetric responders had a reduction in LV mass from 240 +/- 50 to 210 +/- 38 at 3 months, and LV mass was further reduced to 186 +/- 37 g at 12 months after CRT (all p <0.01). In contrast, nonresponders had a progressive increase in LV mass from 248 +/- 59 g to 258 +/- 54 g at 3 months, and LV mass was further increased to 269 +/- 60 g at 12 months after CRT (all p <0.05). Likewise, only in volumetric responders, regression of the asymmetric hypertrophy of the lateral wall was noted. In conclusion, CRT results in not only volumetric improvement but also in true reverse LV structural remodeling, evidenced by progressive reduction in LV mass and restoration of regional wall symmetry.     

The ischemic etiology of heart failure in diabetics limits reverse left ventricular remodeling after cardiac resynchronization therapy

Aim of the StudyThe aim of this study was to evaluate reverse volumetric left ventricular (LV) remodeling after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with heart failure (HF) with vs. without diabetes mellitus (DM).MethodsThe study comprised 130 consecutive patients with HF (mean age, 61±12 years) who underwent CRT. Thirty patients (23%) had DM [mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA_1c), 7.2±3.4%; 13 (43%) on insulin therapy]. Echocardiography, including tissue Doppler measurements, was performed before CRT and between 3 and 6 months after CRT. Echocardiographic response was defined as a >15% reduction in LV end-systolic volume (ESV).ResultsPatients with DM had more often hypertension (60% vs. 29%, P<.05) and ischemic HF etiology (87% vs. 51%, P<.05), but similar pre-CRT echocardiographic findings. After CRT, patients with DM had equal reductions in QRS duration and lateral-to-septal mechanical delay, but less improvement in LV ESV, mitral annular tissue velocity, the myocardial performance (or Tei) index and the E/E′ ratio (ratio of early transmitral peak filling velocity to early mitral annular peak diastolic velocity, an indicator of LV filling pressure). Patients without reverse volumetric LV remodeling had more often DM [hazard ratio (HR), 1.897; P=.042] and an ischemic HF etiology (HR, 2.308; P=.006). An ischemic HF etiology (HR, 2.119; P=.018) was the only independent predictor of poor reverse volumetric LV remodeling.ConclusionIschemic etiology of HF is an independent predictor of poor echocardiographic response to CRT. Patients with DM and HF have a relatively poor echocardiographic response to CRT most probably due to a high incidence of ischemic etiology of HF.